Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team lost a close game to Tulsa, 78-76, on Wednesday night at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The Owls now have a record of 14-10 overall and 6-5 in conference play. Tulsa, currently leading the conference, improved its record to 20-3 and 8-2.
Redshirt junior guard Niccolo Moretti led FAU with a career-high 25 points and five assists. Moretti scored 20 of his points in the second half, tying the highest total for one half during Head Coach John Jakus’s tenure. He played the entire second half without rest.
The Owls started strong in the first half, taking an early lead after three-pointers from Devin Williams and Josiah Parker. They closed out the first period with six straight points, including a buzzer-beater by Williams, to go up 32-27 at halftime.
Tulsa responded after halftime with an early run that put them ahead by double digits. FAU narrowed the gap behind Moretti’s scoring streak but could not regain the lead. In the final seconds, Moretti made a fastbreak layup to bring FAU within three points. A steal on Tulsa’s inbound pass gave FAU another chance; they converted one free throw to cut the deficit to two. Another steal set up a last-second three-point attempt that missed as time expired.
Sophomore guard Isaiah Elohim achieved his collegiate career high with 10 rebounds and became the sixth Owl this season to record a double-double. Freshman Josiah Parker added his third career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds—his second in three games. The Owls outrebounded Tulsa by a margin of 44-33.
FAU will next play Rice in Houston on Wednesday, February 11, following a week-long break from competition. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Fans can follow updates about Florida Atlantic men’s basketball through their social media account @FAUMBB.
“His [Moretti’s] 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.”
###
