MEN’S BASKETBALL
If FAU Head Coach Mike Jarvis learned anything from the Owls’ game against University of Miami on Saturday, Dec. 19, it was that his team has a lot of work to do.
FAU dropped to 5-5 on the season as the Owls lost 87-69 against the Hurricanes (11-1) at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.
Among the glaring concerns for the Owls was the team’s inability to rebound. FAU was outrebounded 55-31, with 24 of those coming on the offensive.
“You’ve got to put your ass on somebody,” said Jarvis. “You have got to use everything God gave you, and that includes your behind, and if you don’t use that then you might as well be a spectator.”
The Owls’ struggles were evident from early on, and a 12-1 Hurricanes run midway through the first half essentially put the game out of reach for the Owls.
Five points on that run came from UM forward James Dews. Dews finished second on the team in scoring with 15 points, while center Dwayne Collins had 17.
FAU guard Raymond Taylor led the game in scoring with 23 points. Taylor also added seven assists, and his performance received high praise from Jarvis.
“The message [to the team] is: box out, make free throws, make layups and play like Ray Taylor. We do that, and we will have some nice upsets,” said Jarvis.
Trailing 43-23 at halftime, FAU almost managed to make a game out of it as they went on a 12-2 run to start the second half. But the Owls knew their effort was futile.
“By then it was too late,” said Taylor. “A lot of kids on the team don’t believe we are supposed to be on the same court. Even if you believe that, you can’t show it.”
UM, who went 8-16 from 3-point range, outhustled the Owls throughout the remainder of the game, continuing to collect its myriad of rebounds while also putting up some highlight reel dunks.
“Hopefully the other message is that if you don’t play with that kind of attitude and that kind of effort, then you are not going to play,” said Jarvis. “You might as well have a seat in the stands, because I’m not playing you.”
The Owls will have an opportunity to bounce back from the loss as they continues their current five-game road trip against Georgia on Dec. 23.
