Still in the red
FAU loses ninth straight
Originally published on
1/16/2009
by
Marcus Nelson
BOCA RATON –Florida Atlantic billed its game vs. Florida International Thursday as a night to “Bury The Burrow in Red.”
Unfortunately for the Owls it was the Golden Panthers who buried their shots down the stretch as FIU defeated FAU 58-53 Thursday at FAU Arena in front of 1,450 fans.
The loss was the ninth consecutive for defeat for FAU (4-14, 0-6 Sun Belt Conference) and was the first time FIU has won a road game since the Golden Panthers defeated the Owls here in last season’s meeting in the regular season.
FAU built an 8-point lead in the first half, but shot 29.6 percent on 8-of-27 shooting from the field in the second half
“There’s not a whole lot I can say looking at this,” Owls coach Mike Jarvis said as he examined the boxscore after the game. “ It’s probably worse than what I saw during the course of the game.”
FAU trailed just 54-53 with 1:19 remaining and appeared to have a chance when FIU sophomore guard Nick Taylor missed two free throws which could have put the Golden Panthers solidly in control.
However, Owls senior guard Paul Graham missed a 3-pointer from the left wing with :30 remaining in the game and FAU was forced to foul. FIU made five of its last six free throws to win its second game in the Sun Belt Conference.
Jarvis wasn’t happy with Graham’s missed shot or a layup missed by Graham in the game’s final seconds when the Golden Panthers were playing soft on defense so as not to foul.
“You’ve got to make baskets like that,” Jarvis said.
FAU didn’t make a field goal the final 1:39 of the game, but that isn’t all that drew the ire of Jarvis.
Following the game, Jarvis said the biggest reason the team is struggling is that n one on the team is ready to assume the role of being a clutch player.
“What’s disappointing is that at this point in time we haven’t found anybody who will just step up and lead us ,” Jarvis said. “We just need one guy to just say ‘You know what, it’s crunch time and I’m going to be the guy.’”
Game Rewind
Slam dunk: Shavar Richardson came off the bench to drain five 3-pointers, four in the first half. ...FAU actually outscored FIU off the fast break - albeit the advantage was only 6-2. …Brett Royster had three blocked shots.
Off the rim: FAU entered the contest leading the Sun Belt in free throw shooting, only to miss 6- of -11 attempts. ... Chris Watson drew the start, but got into early foul trouble and didn't score in nine minutes. ...Walk-on forward Chris Coleman earned a technical for jawing with the officials.
From the box score: The depleted Owls need everyone to do their part to win these kinds of games. Eight Owls played, but only five scored. That kind of effort won't win many games for the FAU.
Up next: FAU travels to North Texas (9-7, 2-3 Sun Belt) on Saturday.
Final shot: This was the Owls best opportunity to pick up their first Sun Belt win of the season. The Owls now take to the road to play a beatable North Texas squad, but FAU has yet to win a true road game this season. FAU won't go winless in the Sun Belt, but it may be a while until they post their first ‘W’.