Owls Fall to Tulsa in Another Close Matchup

Wednesday, February 4

Boca Raton, Fla.

7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

14-10,6-5American

Tulsa

20-3,8-2American

Tulsa

Fla. Atlantic

Photo by: Keira Arimenta

2/4/2026 11:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Ben Paul

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Despite a career-high 25 points from redshirt junior guard Niccolo Moretti and two players with double-doubles, the Florida Atlantic men's basketball team dropped a Wednesday night matchup to Tulsa by a score of 78-76 at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.

The Owls (14-10, 6-5) held a first-half lead over the first-place Golden Hurricane (20-3, 8-2) but fell behind in the final period. For the second straight game, FAU had an opportunity to win at the buzzer, with a last-second steal leading to a three-point shot that fell short.

FIRST HALF
A scoreless first two-and-a-half minutes was broken by sophomore guard Isaiah Elohim attacking inside. Back-to-back three-pointers from sophomore forward Devin Williams and freshman guard Josiah Parker put the Owls up by five.

Six straight points from Florida Atlantic closed the first half, culminating in a Williams buzzer-beater to go up 32-27 at halftime.

SECOND HALF
Out of the locker room, the Golden Hurricane went on an early run to go up by double digits. With the ball in the hands of Moretti, seven straight points by him closed the gap and tied the game. Moretti scored 20 points on eight-for-10 shooting in the second half, never taking a rest throughout.

Tulsa answered back to remain in the lead. Trailing by five points with 11 seconds remaining, the Owls had one rally left in them. Moretti converted a fastbreak layup to bring the team within three. A steal off the inbound put FAU at the free throw line, converting one from the charity stripe to close the gap to 78-76.

Another steal from the inbound by Elohim allowed for a final shot attempt at the buzzer, but it could not connect.

PRESS CONFERENCE

GALLERY

Gallery: (2-4-2026) MBB vs. Tulsa

STATS & NOTES

In addition to Moretti's 25 points, he also led the team in assists with five. His 20 points in the second period tie the Jakus era-high for one half.
Elohim set his collegiate career high with 10 rebounds. He becomes the sixth Owl this season to record a double-double.
With 12 points and 12 boards, Parker recorded his third career double-double and second in three games.
The Owls outrebounded the Golden Hurricane, 44-33.

UP NEXT
FAU will have a week off from competition before regrouping in Houston on Wednesday, Feb. 11, to face Rice. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET 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 205-26 season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.