FAU Triumphs over Virginia Tech to Win 2023 ESPN Events Invitational Trophy
Alijah Martin captured the tournament Most Valuable Player with 17 points and eight rebounds, helping the Owls defeat Virginia Tech 84-50.
Photo by: Gasner Delvarin Jr. | The FAU men’s basketball team lifts the 2023 ESPN Events Invitational trophy at the Statefarm Field House, in Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Sun. November 26, 2023.
Gasner Delvarin Jr, Writer
November 27, 2023
KISSIMMEE, Fla.- On Sunday, the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls (5-1) men's basketball team complete the sweep in the three days 2023 ESPN Events Invitational championships, beating Virginia Tech University Hoskies (5-2) 84-50 to win the championship trophy at the StateFarm Field House, in Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Alijah Martin spearheaded the offense with an impressive 17 points for the Owls to capture the ESPN event Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Magic Kingdom.
Photo by: Gasner Delvarin Jr. | FAU guard junior Elijah Martin holding his ESPN EVENTS MVP frame of the 2023 at the Statefarm Field House, in Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Sun. November 26.
Besides Martin taking home the MVP, FAU showcased prowess with a total team effort victory, while Vladislav Goldin complemented 14 points on 7-of-7 shooting, and Johnell Davis added 12 points.
“These guys are consumed with playing basketball the right way,” said coach Dusty May.
Meanwhile, Hunter Cattoor and Sean Pedulla contributed 11 points each, while Lynn Kidd added 9 points, for Virginia Tech.
FAU's dominance expanded to both scoring and rebounding, boasting a 48-32 lead in points in the paint and a 40-29 advantage in total rebounds, solidifying their control over critical aspects of the game.
Virginia Tech head coach Mike Young acknowledged the Owls firepower, conceding they were outplayed.
"They shoot the ball, they shot it all year," said Young. "I've seen every game that they played, they shot the fire out of it against Texas A&M. They shot it very well Thursday against Butler. They are as good as advertised."
The Owls' pivotal moments came from a remarkable 19-0 run late in the first half and early in the second to establish a commanding 44-24 lead with 16:30 remaining.
The Hokies struggled from beyond the arc, with only 2 for 17, while FAU continued to light out, extending their lead, finished with 9 for 22 of 3-point shots.
The Owls triumph in this championship game, shooting 56.9% from the field and 40.9% from the three lands to defeat Virginia Tech 84-50.
FAU returns home to take on Liberty University (6-0) this upcoming Thursday night, while Virginia Tech anticipates participation in the ACC/SEC Challenge against Auburn on Wednesday night.
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