FAU squandered a double-digit second-half lead, allowing Kedar Edwards’ three-pointer with 1.3 seconds remaining to give Tennessee-Martin an 82-81 victory.
The Owls saw the Skyhawks chip away at the lead during the final 10 minutes, taking their first lead since the game’s opening minutes on a Matthew Butler traditional three-point play with 16 seconds remaining.
Gedarius Troutman nearly saved the game for FAU with his three-pointer from the right side of the arc with 6 seconds remaining, which put FAU back up two. It turned out that only set up Edwards’ heroics.
“You’re supposed to win that game,” FAU coach Michael Curry told ESPN West Palm on the postgame show. “We just didn’t close it.”
UT-Martin had won five consecutive games prior to losing their most recent outing at No. 1 Kentucky 111-76. The 76 points are the most allowed by the Wildcats this season.
The Skyhawks mounted their comback despite leading scorer Jacolby Mobley having to be carried to the bench after apparently injuring his ankle early in the second half. At the time he exited Mobley led the Skyhawks with 11 points.
GameBrowser: UT Martin (7-2, 0-0 OVC) 82, FAU (2-4, 0-0 C-USA) 81
Moving Forward: C-USA Freshman of the Week Jailyn Ingram led all scorers with 21 points. …Point guard Nick Rutherford finished an assist shy of a double-double, adding 17 points to his nine assists. Most impressively, Rutherford made 10 of his 13 free throws. …Ronald Delph grabbed 11 rebounds to go with 14 points. …FAU shot 57 percent from the field.
Moving Backward: Over the past few seasons FAU has struggled to hold onto late leads. It looks like that problem hasn’t been remedied, yet. …UT-Martin’s press removed the pace from FAU’s offense, making it difficult for the Owls to get into their sets. …Starting guard Frank Booker didn’t score in the game and spent much of the final 10 minutes on the bench. …Adonis Filer forced – and made – a big three pointer late in the game but he also launched a wild three-point attempt and appeared lost on another late possession as the shot clock wound down.
Key Stat: 15 – turnovers for FAU, nine of which came in the second half.
Instant Message: “We had to make them drive. …They make a two, we go to overtime.” – Curry on the Owls’ defensive failure on the game-winning shot.
Up Next: FAU welcomes Hofstra to The Burrow on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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