FAU wins low-scoring match against Rice 69-56 in Houston
Nick Boyd led the Owls to their 5th straight victory with 18 points against Rice.
Photo by: Gasner Delvarin Jr. | The FAU men’s basketball redshirt sophomore guard Nick Boyd (white jersey).
Gasner Delvarin Jr, Writer
January 24, 2024
The Florida Atlantic Owls (16-4, AAC 6-1) defeated Rice 69-56 behind Nick Boyd's scoring 18 points and Johnell Davis adding 14 points and nine rebounds on Wednesday night in Houston.
"We’re starting to find our groove a little bit," said Boyd. "I think we’re light years away from where we’re going to be really soon,” he added.
FAU extended its winning streak to five games. Boyd and Davis combined for 10 out of 17 field goals.
The Owls outrebounded Rice 43-34 and dominated in the paint with 36-14 points.
Rice (7-12, 1-5) shot 35% in route for another loss in their last 6 of 7. Alem Huseinovic scored 16 points, and Mekhi Mason added 13.
Despite Rice's effort on defense to keep FAU below 84 scoring average, they still couldn't get ahead on the scoreboard, although closing the gap to five points at one point.
Rice coach Scott Pera expressed his distaste for losing despite what he believed was their "best defensive effort of the year, “ he said after he had mentioned, "losing stinks!”
FAU extends their winning streak to five. They are 3-2 on the road and 7-1 at home.
FAU will host their next game against North Texas on Sunday at the Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena in Boca.
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