Florida Atlantic University’s men’s basketball team lost a close game to South Florida, 83-81, in overtime on Sunday at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The Owls now hold a record of 14-12 overall and 6-7 in conference play, while the Bulls improve to 18-8 overall and 10-3 in the conference.
The matchup marked the second meeting between the teams this season. FAU started strong, leading at halftime after contributions from several players including freshman guard Josiah Parker, who made his first collegiate start.
In the first half, redshirt sophomore forward Devin Williams opened with a block and sophomore guard Isaiah Elohim hit an early three-pointer. Williams tied the game at 25 with a layup before finishing the half with 12 points. Free throws by Devin Vanterpool gave FAU a two-point advantage heading into halftime.
During the second half, Vanterpool and Parker helped FAU regain the lead with key plays. However, USF responded as Joseph Pinion made consecutive three-pointers during an 8-2 run that shifted momentum back to South Florida.
With less than 15 seconds left in regulation and trailing by two points, Niccolo Moretti inbounded to Vanterpool for a tying layup. Despite forcing a turnover on USF’s next possession, FAU could not convert before time expired, sending the contest into overtime.
In overtime, Vanterpool gave FAU an initial lead from the free throw line but USF quickly regained control. Williams tied it again with a deep three-pointer late in overtime; however, two free throws by USF secured their win with eight seconds remaining.
For Florida Atlantic:
– Isaiah Elohim set a career high with four assists.
– Josiah Parker recorded his fifth career double-double—his third straight—with 13 points and ten rebounds.
– The Owls limited Izaiyah Nelson of USF to single-digit points for only the first time since January.
– Devin Williams moved up to fifth place in program history for blocks in a single season (70).
– Devin Vanterpool scored 17 points in the second half—the most by any Owl during one half of conference play this year.
Next up for Florida Atlantic is a six-day road trip through Texas: they face UTSA on Wednesday, February 18 at 8 p.m. ET before playing North Texas (the Mean Green) on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. ET.
Fans can follow updates about FAU men’s basketball via social media @FAUMBB.
Florida Atlantic’s current season is sponsored by Phil Smith Kia/Phil Smith Acura.
