Going Cold

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FAU couldn’t repeat its hot-shooting first half during the second 20 minutes, leading to a 72-66 loss to Western Kentucky in Bowling Green.

The loss handed FAU its first three-game losing streak of the season.

“We have to be obsessed with improving,” FAU coach Dusty May said. “We want to be competitive and we want to learn.”

The Owls drained 10 three-pointers in the first half en route to shooting 50 percent from the field. That overall percentage dropped to 30 in the second half, when the Owls connected on only four of their 17 attempts beyond the arc.

FAU took a 40-34 lead into halftime only to watch WKU open the second half on a 9-1 run to take a 43-41 edge.

With the game tied at 62, the Hilltoppers scored the next seven points to go up 69-62. FAU pulled to within five twice, but couldn’t get any closer. WKU made five of six free throw attempts in the final two minutes to seal the win.

Anthony Adger and Xavian Stapleton scored 17 points apiece to lead the Owls.

Game Browser: WKU (9-9, 2-3) 72, FAU (11-8, 2-4) 66

Moving Forward: Five of Xavian Stapleton’s six made shots came from behind the arc. …Guard Richardson Maitre tied with center Aleksandar Zecevic to lead the Owls with seven rebounds. Maitre’s three assists also led the Owls. …Cedric Jackson scored five points during his five minutes.

Falling Backward: Starting forward Madiaw Niang missed his second-consecutive game because of an injured ankle. …Starting forward Simeon Lepichev managed only two points and one rebound in 23 minutes. …FAU turned the ball over 15 times. …FAU lost the rebounding battle 38-35.

Key Stat: 1 – 2-point field goal made by FAU in the first 12:30 minutes. The Owls drained eight 3-pointers during that time.

Up Next: FAU welcomes rival FIU to The Burrow on Wednesday for a 7 p.m. tip.