Florida Atlantic's Devin Vanterpool stole the show at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, scoring 20 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead the Owls to a 79-74 win over Tulane. The victory marked a strong performance by Vanterpool, who was instrumental in helping his team secure a crucial non-conference win. Curtis Williams Jr. of Tulane also had a notable outing, scoring 27 points in a losing effort.
The Owls dominated the first half, taking a 43-32 lead into the break. They managed to maintain their advantage throughout the second half, despite a strong push from the Green Wave. Tulane outscored Florida Atlantic 42-36 in the final 20 minutes, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Isaiah Elohim added 18 points for the Owls, while Kanaan Carlyle chipped in with 10 points.
Before the game, CHD Scout predicted a 10.2-point victory for Florida Atlantic, and while the margin was closer than expected, the Owls still emerged victorious. The actual score of 79-74 was a far cry from the predicted 70-70 tie, but the outcome was still in line with the forecast. The Owls' win solidified their position as a formidable team, and their performance will likely be taken into account when evaluating their tournament chances.
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Final
The win was a Quad 4 victory for Florida Atlantic, which may not carry the same weight as a win over a top-ranked opponent, but it's still an important addition to their resume. On the other hand, the loss was a Quad 2 game for Tulane, which could have real consequences for their tournament hopes. The Green Wave's current net ranking of 203 makes every game count, and they must regroup and refocus to stay in the hunt.
As the season progresses, Florida Atlantic's ability to close out games matters. They have now improved to 14-6 on the season, and their net ranking of 90 puts them in a decent position. However, the Owls must continue to perform well against tougher opponents to strengthen their tournament resume. With Vanterpool leading the charge, they have a good chance of making some noise in the postseason.
The outcome of this game will have a lasting impact on both teams' tournament chances. Florida Atlantic's win, although not a major upset, demonstrates their ability to perform under pressure and against decent opposition. As the season enters its final stretch, the Owls want to build on this momentum and make a strong case for a tournament bid. For Tulane, the loss serves as a reminder that every game counts, and they must bounce back quickly to stay in the mix.