FAU freshman forward Greg Gantt scored a career-high 24 points while guard Brett Royster added 12 to lift the Owls to an 81-65 victory over the Albany Great Danes at The Burrow on Monday, Nov. 30.

The win improved FAU to 3-3 overall and 2-0 at home on the season, as the Owls’ fast-paced offense proved too much for Albany (3-5).

The Great Danes led by as many as 10 points with 14:50 remaining in the first half, but a second-half explosion from Gantt and his offense gave the Owls the win.

“I started the season off struggling from the [3-point line],” said Gantt, who went 5-9 from 3-point range. “The coaches preached, ‘Know every shot is going in and shoot the same shot every time.’ I feel like that motivated me, and I really focused in on doing the little things to help my shot, like keeping the same form when I shoot.”

The Owls finished the game 10-18 from beyond the arc, three of which were consecutive shots five minutes into the second half.

That trio of perimeter shots, two from guard Raymond Taylor and one from Gantt, ultimately put the game out of reach for the visitors.

“It breaks your back when you guard for a while and let them take a shot and you don’t block out, and they get the rebound and in turn kick it out for three,” said Albany Head Coach Will Brown. “It’s demoralizing.”

FAU’s bench also contributed to ousting Albany, outscoring the Great Danes 26-8. Substitute guards Shavar Richardson and Sanchez Hughley each added 10 points.

Ultimately, it was Gantt’s 60 percent shooting that sealed off the Owls’ third victory of the season.

“Gantt is a special player,” said FAU Head Coach Mike Jarvis. “Not only does he make jump shots, he brings energy. He’s a winner.”

FAU next plays at home on Dec. 10, hosting Warner Southern.