Florida Atlantic men’s basketball (12-6, 4-1 AC) took care of business Thursday night, as they led the entire game for an 85-67 win against the Wichita State Shockers. This was the fourth all-time matchup between the two teams. FAU’s win broke a 2-2 tie and granted them their first home win against the Shockers since February 2024.
Guard Kanaan Caryle and guard Isaiah Elohim led scoring for the Owls with 18 points each, and forward Devin Williams posted a double-double, as he scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Forward Xander Pintelton was a force on both sides of the ball, hitting three 3-pointers and blocking a career-high three shots.
“I think it’s just me finding my spots and kind of finding the right time to get to those spots. I’ve watched film with my assistant coaches and they helped me out of ton, and secondly, it’s just my teammates setting me up, giving me the right pass,” said Elohim, after one of his best games of the season.
The Owls moved the ball efficiently, totaling 20 assists and shooting 56% from the field, while the Shockers turned the ball over 12 times and shot 40% from the field.
The game started extremely slow, scoring-wise, with 10 combined points in the first five minutes and an 8-2 FAU lead. Eventually, FAU settled into the game, as back-to-back dunks by forward Maxim Logue and guard Josiah Parker extended FAU’s lead to 22-11 with eight minutes left in the first half.
After the first, FAU led 37-25. Isaiah Elohim and Kanaan Caryle combined for 25 of FAU’s 37 first-half points.
The Owls’ stifling defense allowed them to take a comfortable lead into the half, forcing the Shockers to shoot 33.3% from the field and 20% from 3-point range, making only one 3-pointer the entire half. Almost all of Wichita State’s production came from its second unit, which outscored FAU 17-4 in bench points in the first half.
“I think the staff has done a great job. I wouldn’t take any credit for that at all. Our defensive drills have gotten significantly better. Our best players are our hardest workers, and when that happens, everyone’s held accountable,” said head coach John Jakus, praising the team’s defensive effort.
The Owls extended their lead to 20 with a 3-pointer from Pintelon, which ignited the home crowd and put the lead at 48-28 with 15 minutes left to play. A second Pintelon three extended the Owls’ lead to 26, their largest since their 40-point victory against UTSA on Dec. 31.
With four minutes left, the Owls led by 29, their largest lead of the game, as FAU closed out the victory.
“We’re thrilled to play at the Elly. I think you go one down the road, one away, then we’re back, and then two on the road. So three of the next four won’t be here,” said coach Jakus.
FAU will return to action Sunday, Jan.18, against the Temple Owls at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. Tipoff is at noon.
Mikai Datilus is a Staff Writer for the University Press. Email him at [email protected] or DM him on Instagram @mikaidat for more information on this and other stories.
