Despite being down by as many as 18 points in the second half, Florida Atlantic men’s basketball’s bid to split the season series versus UTEP fell just short, losing 89-82 Saturday night. Florida Atlantic (7-19, 5-8 Conference USA) came within three points with 2:32 remaining in the game, but the Owls were unable to score any more points and UTEP (15-11, 7-6 Conference USA) knocked down four late free-throws to close out the game. It was a tale of two halves for FAU offensively and defensively, shooting only 40 percent from the field while allowing UTEP to shoot 57 percent from the field in the first half. However, the Owls shot 53 percent from the field while holding the Miners to only 44 percent in the second half.

Mohammed  Emran | Staff Photographer Redshirt senior guard Ali Gorrell (23) shoots a jump shot. Gorrell had 20 points, 12 rebounds and five assists during the Owls’ 78-68 loss to U...

Following a 33-17 defeat against Marshall last week, football will travel to El Paso to take on the UTEP Miners this Saturday night, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. The matchup will be the first ever between the two teams and will be Florida Atlantic's first away game in over three weeks.