FT. WORTH, Texas. – Florida Atlantic's men's basketball team is advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2025 American Athletic Conference Tournament after beating Charlotte, 64-59, on Thursday afternoon.
The No. 5 seed Owls (18-14) leaned on their frontcourt, with freshman center Matas Vokietaitis scoring a game-best 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting, along with double-digit efforts from junior forward Baba Miller and redshirt junior forward Tre Carroll, to defeat No. 13 seeded Charlotte (11-22) in the second round of the AAC Tournament.
FIRST HALF
In the game's opening possessions, the frontcourt got off to a quick start with a cutting dunk from Miller and a spin move for the layup from Vokietaitis, the first two points of eight in a row for the freshman center. Vokietaitis found his way inside for 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting in the opening period.
A tightly contested first half saw neither team pull away for a lead more than seven points. The Owls converted their last three field goal attempts, culminating with graduate guard KyKy Tandy drilling the team's first three-pointer of the day, and entered the locker room up 29-27.
SECOND HALF
Carroll served as the second half spark plug, coming off the bench for eight points in his first five minutes. The Owls held onto the advantage as a Miller slam dunk stretched the lead to a game-high eight points.
The 49ers cut the deficit to one with a step back three-pointer with five minutes remaining. Florida Atlantic's offense then returned to form in the closing stretch, making five of its last seven field goal attempts. A Miller triple made it a two-possession game with over a minute left before FAU's final five points came via free throws.
POSTGAME PRESSER
GALLERY
Gallery: (3-13-2025) Florida Atlantic vs. Charlotte
STATS & NOTES
The Owls have held opposing offenses to under 55 points and under 40% shooting in back-to-back games.
Florida Atlantic outscored Charlotte 42-18 in the paint.
Vokietaitis has scored in double figures in four straight games, a career-best streak. He also added a team-high seven rebounds.
10 of Carroll's 12 points came in the second half.
The Owls recorded six blocks on the defensive end and have tallied 30 in the last four games.
Florida Atlantic has won all three games against Charlotte in the 2024-25 season.
UP NEXT
The Owls will have no time to waste with a matchup versus No. 4 seed Tulane on Friday, Mar. 14 at Dickies Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
ALUMNI EVENTS
In Texas Friday, March 14 – Quarterfinals vs. Tulane: Informal pregame meet up at Taco Heads (1812 Montgomery Street)*
Freshly made tacos, ice cold cervezas and hand-crafted cocktails available for purchase before walking over to Dickies Arena for tip-off.
In Florida Friday, March 14 – Quarterfinals vs. Tulane: Unstaffed "Where to Watch"*
Click here to visit event page (no registration required)
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men's basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.
Florida Atlantic's 2024-25 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.