Florida Atlantic asserted its dominance over Wichita State, cruising to an 85-67 victory at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The Owls' impressive performance was fueled by a balanced attack, with Kanaan Carlyle and Isaiah Elohim leading the charge with 18 points each. Devin Williams also made significant contributions, tallying 14 points and 10 rebounds to help his team secure a convincing win.
The game got off to a strong start for Florida Atlantic, with the Owls taking a 37-25 lead into halftime. Wichita State struggled to find its rhythm in the first half, scoring just 25 points on 31% shooting from the field. The Shockers' Will Berg was a bright spot, scoring 8 of his 14 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Owls' high-powered offense.
In the second half, Florida Atlantic continued to pull away, outscoring Wichita State 48-42. The Owls' offense was nearly unstoppable, with Carlyle and Elohim combining for 26 points in the half. Williams also made his presence felt, grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 8 points to help seal the win.
Berg was one of the few bright spots for Wichita State, finishing with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Dre Kindell and Karon Boyd also chipped in with 12 and 10 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Owls' balanced attack.
The win is a significant one for Florida Atlantic, as it marks a Quadrant 3 victory for the Owls. With a current net ranking of 87, Florida Atlantic is looking to bolster its resume and make a push for the NCAA Tournament. This win should certainly help, as it demonstrates the team's ability to take care of business against quality opponents.
For Wichita State, the loss is a Quadrant 2 defeat, which won't hurt the team's tournament chances too badly. However, the Shockers must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a deep run in the postseason. With a current net ranking of 94, Wichita State still has work to do to secure a spot in the Big Dance.
Overall, Florida Atlantic's dominant performance is a reflection of the team's depth and talent. With Carlyle, Elohim, and Williams leading the way, the Owls are a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. As the season wears on, it will be interesting to see if they can continue to build momentum and make a push for the tournament. For now, this win is a significant step in the right direction, and it should give the Owls a boost of confidence as they look to take on their next challenge.