Florida Atlantic showcased its depth and versatility on Saturday, as the Owls took down Memphis 89-78 at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The win marked a strong performance for Florida Atlantic, which improved to 13-6 on the season. Kanaan Carlyle paced the Owls with 17 points, one of three players to reach double figures for the home team.
The game got off to a tight start, with Florida Atlantic holding a slim 36-34 lead at halftime. However, the Owls came out strong in the second half, outscoring Memphis 53-44 to pull away for the 11-point victory. Xander Pintelon and Devin Vanterpool joined Carlyle in double figures, with Pintelon adding 13 points and 8 rebounds, and Vanterpool contributing 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
For Memphis, Aaron Bradshaw led the way with 21 points and 5 rebounds. The Tigers' star player kept his team in the game, but ultimately couldn't overcome the balanced attack of the Owls. Dug McDaniel added 12 points for Memphis, which fell to 9-8 on the season.
The win was a Quadrant 3 victory for Florida Atlantic, which want to build on the momentum as the season progresses. The Owls' ability to spread the scoring around and get contributions from multiple players will be a key factor in their success. On the other hand, the loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat for Memphis, which will still be a valuable experience for the Tigers as they navigate their schedule.
With the victory, Florida Atlantic improved its net ranking to 87, solidifying its position as a formidable opponent. The Owls want to continue their strong play as they move forward, with a roster that appears capable of making a deep run in the postseason. For Memphis, the loss dropped its net ranking to 107, but the Tigers still have plenty of opportunities to boost their resume and make a push for the tournament.
This result will undoubtedly have implications for both teams' tournament chances. Florida Atlantic's win over Memphis is a notable addition to its resume, and the Owls want to build on this momentum as they pursue a spot in the postseason. With a strong performance like this, Florida Atlantic is making a case for itself as a team to watch in the coming weeks. The Owls' ability to take down a team like Memphis, even if not an upset, demonstrates their potential and sets them up for success as the season unfolds.