Parker’s Double-Double Leads Florida Atlantic Past Temple

Thursday, February 26

Boca Raton, Fla.

7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

Temple

Photo by: Temple Athletics

1/18/2026 4:21:00 PM | Men's Basketball

By: Ben Paul

PHILADELPHIA – Behind a second-half explosion and first collegiate double-double from freshman guard Josiah Parker, the Florida Atlantic men's basketball team picked up its fourth straight victory, defeating Temple 79-73 on Sunday afternoon.

Parker's 22-point, 12-rebound performance came mostly in the second half, with 19 points on nine-for-10 shooting from the field and 10 boards in just 12 minutes of work.

The Owls of FAU (13-6, 5-1) remain on top of the American Conference standings with the comeback win after trailing Temple (11-7, 3-2) for a majority of the game.

FIRST HALF
Redshirt sophomore forward Devin Williams, No. 2 in the nation in blocks, got the afternoon started with two in the first four minutes. After Florida Atlantic fell behind early, an early scoring run by sophomore forward Maxim Logue saw him record 10 points in four minutes, including consecutive three-point plays at the rim.

The FAU Owls closed a nine-point gap to two, holding Temple without a field goal for over five minutes and 26% shooting over the course of the half. A three-point play by junior forward Xander Pintelon sent Florida Atlantic into the half trailing 34-30.

SECOND HALF
For the third straight game, Pintelon had a strong start to the second half with an early layup and a pair of free throws to tie the score at 38. FAU's defense forced five turnovers in less than three minutes, taking a 40-38 lead on a steal followed by an alley-oop pass to redshirt sophomore guard Devin Vanterpool. Vanterpool dropped eight points in the first five minutes.

It was then Parker's turn to take over, scoring 10 of the team's next 13, including a jumper to re-capture a 55-54 lead with six minutes remaining. FAU's three-point shot began to fall with Pintelon and Vanterpool each connecting to maintain the lead.

Following an acrobatic and-one play from junior guard Kanaan Carlyle, Parker went on another scoring run, recording nine of the team's next 10 to secure the victory.

PRESS CONFERENCE

STATS & NOTES

Florida Atlantic owns the longest winning streak in the American Conference.
Parker's 22 points are the most by a freshman Owl since Michael Forrest on Jan. 26, 2019. He becomes the fifth FAU player this season to score 20+ in a game, as well as the fifth to have a double-double. His 12 rebounds are the most by any Florida Atlantic player in the 2025-26 campaign.
Vanterpool scored 11 of his 12 points in the second half.
Pintelon's 12 points are his third straight game in double figures and fifth in seven games.
Logue recorded his third double-digit scoring outing of the season.
Florida Atlantic's Owls outscored the Temple Owls in the paint, 52-30.
The Owls have held opponents to 40% or less from the field in five out of six games during conference play.

UP NEXT
The Owls return to Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, hosting Tulane for "Seinfeld Night" on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

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 2025-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.