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FAU completed its version of the Texas two step with 73-69 victory over Texas San-Antonio on Saturday in San Antonio.
The Owls trailed the Roadrunners in the closing seconds before Gerdarius Troutman drained a three-pointer with 9 seconds remaining to put FAU up 71-69.
“Anthony (Adger) did a great job of kicking it to Gerdarius, who knocked down the big shot,” FAU coach Michael Curry told Ken LaVicka on the ESPN West Palm postgame show.
After FAU forced a turnover on UTSA’s ensuing possession, Troutman drained two free throws to ensure the win. Troutman scored 19 points to lead the Owls.
The Owls left South Florida for Texas on Wednesday winless in Conference USA play. After defeating UTEP 73-66 on Thursday, the Owls have now won consecutive C-USA games.
Perhaps building off momentum from Thursday’s victory, FAU raced to a 20-10 lead early thanks in large part to three Justin Massey three-point shots. UTSA recovered to lead 36-33 at half time.
Center Ronald Delph’s scoop shot gave FAU a 61-56 before UTSA tied the game at 61 with six consecutive free throws. Delph scored the Owls’ next seven points, a streak broken by Troutman’s game-winning three-pointer.
In the closing minutes UTSA had three opportunities to either extend its lead or retake the lead but the Owls stymied the Roadrunners on all three possessions, twice by forcing turnovers.
“To end the game that way was pretty special,” Curry said.
GameBrowser: FAU (8-9, 2-3) 73, UTSA (9-10, 2-4) 69
Moving Forward: Ronald Delph carried the Owls late, scoring nine consecutive points down the stretch. He came up one rebound shy of a double-double, scoring 15 points to go with his nine rebounds. …UTSA is Conference USA’s top rebounding team, yet the Owls managed to match the Roadrunners with 44 boards. …Jailyn Ingram scored 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field and 5-of-6 shooting from the line.
Moving Backward: FAU point guards Payton Hulsey and Anthony Adger combined to go 1-for-15 from the field in the game. …Though he finished with a respectable 14 points, at one point Justin Massey missed seven consecutive shots. …Reserve forward Amir Smith is struggling to find his shot in the post, missing all three of his attempts on Saturday.
Key Stat: 5 – Turnovers in the game committed by FAU. The Owls forced 10 from the Roadrunners.
Up Next: FAU returns home to face Charlotte on Thursday. Tip-off at The Burrow is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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