The Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball team concluded its 2025-26 regular season with an 88-70 loss to Wichita State on Saturday in Wichita, Kansas. The Owls, now at a record of 17-14 overall and 9-9 in conference play, could not maintain their early momentum against the Shockers, who improved to 21-10 overall and 13-5 in the American Conference.
Junior guard Kanaan Carlyle led the Owls with a standout performance, scoring a season-high 26 points. This total ties for the most points by any FAU player during American Conference play this year. Carlyle’s efforts were especially notable in the first half, where he tallied 20 points on efficient shooting (8-for-11), helping Florida Atlantic shoot 55% from the field during that stretch.
Redshirt junior guard Niccolo Moretti also made an impact early in the game, scoring FAU’s first six points. Carlyle then added two three-pointers and a driving layup to help put the Owls ahead 16-10. The opening period was tightly contested, with neither team gaining more than a six-point advantage. However, a late surge by Wichita State gave them a narrow halftime lead of 43-41.
In the second half, both teams exchanged leads multiple times. A pair of three-pointers—one by Carlyle—briefly put Florida Atlantic back in front. Seven lead changes occurred over five minutes before Wichita State took control with a decisive 13-2 run after FAU last led at 61-60.
Carlyle closed the gap slightly with three free throws, but Wichita State quickly re-established their advantage and held it through to the final buzzer.
Several milestones were reached despite the loss. According to postgame notes, “Carlyle’s 20 points are the most by an Owl in the first half during the John Jakus era. He finished the day with a season-high 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting and went 4-for-6 from downtown.” The release also stated: “For the second straight season, Moretti reached 100+ assists. He is the first FAU player to do so in back-to-back campaigns since Nick Rutherford in 2015-16 and ’16-17.” Additionally: “Entering the day ranked No. 2 nationwide in blocks, redshirt sophomore forward Devin Williams recorded a pair. It marks his 21st game in the same season with multiple blocks.” Redshirt guard Amar Amkou set his own mark: “Amar Amkou finished the day with a career-high seven made free throws.”
Florida Atlantic will learn its seeding for next week’s American Conference Tournament in Birmingham after Sunday’s remaining league games conclude. The Owls’ tournament opener is scheduled for either Wednesday, March 11 or Thursday, March 12.
