When you think of Boca Raton, you don’t think of the Final Four – until now
It’s not often that a ninth-seeded team makes it to the Final Four, but that’s exactly what happened with the Florida Atlantic University Owls. After a stunning run through the NCAA tournament, the Owls find themselves just two wins away from a national championship.
But can they do it? Can this team of underdogs really go all the way and win it all? It won’t be easy, but the Owls have already proven that they’re capable of beating some of the best teams in the country.
In their Sweet 16 matchup against Tennessee, the Owls were huge underdogs. But they played with confidence and poise, pulling off the upset and advancing to the Elite Eight. And in their next game against Kansas State, they showed that they’re not just a one-hit wonder, holding off a tough opponent to earn a spot in the Final Four.
FAU Owls’ Performance in the Regular Season
Wins and Losses Record
The FAU Owls had an impressive regular season, finishing with a record of 28-6. They won the Conference USA Regular Season Championship and secured an undefeated record of 17-0 at home, the first time in school history. The Owls’ success in the regular season earned them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, where they made an improbable run to the Final Four.
Key Players and Their Stats
One of the key players for the Owls in the regular season was Bryan Greenlee, an elite defender who contributed both on the court and off the court as a leader. Greenlee was a crucial part of the Owls’ success, averaging 16 points per game and leading the team in steals with 2.5 per game.
Another standout player for the Owls was point guard Marcus Williams, who averaged 14.5 points and 5.5 assists per game. Williams was a consistent performer for the Owls throughout the regular season, providing a steady hand on the court and helping to lead the team to victory.
Forward Michael Forrest was also a key contributor for the Owls, averaging 12.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Forrest was a versatile player who could score from anywhere on the court and was a force to be reckoned with in the paint.
Overall, the FAU Owls had a well-rounded team with a number of key players who contributed to their success in the regular season. Their strong performances on the court helped them to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament and set the stage for their improbable run to the Final Four.
FAU Owls’ Performance in the Conference Tournament
Results and Highlights
FAU Owls had an impressive performance in the Conference USA Tournament, winning all three games and clinching the championship title. The Owls were the top seed for the first time in the school’s 10-year history in C-USA, and they lived up to the expectations.
In the quarterfinals, FAU defeated Southern Miss 74-63, led by Jailyn Ingram’s 26 points and Kenan Blackshear’s 20 points. In the semifinals, the Owls faced off against UAB and won 63-55, with Ingram scoring 21 points and Michael Forrest adding 16 points. In the championship game, FAU faced off against Old Dominion and won 70-60, with Ingram leading the way with 26 points and 8 rebounds.
FAU’s defense was a key factor in their success in the tournament, holding all three opponents under 65 points. The Owls also outrebounded their opponents in all three games, with Ingram and Blackshear leading the way on the boards.
Key Players’ Performances
Jailyn Ingram was the standout player for FAU in the Conference USA Tournament, averaging 24.3 points and 7 rebounds per game. He was named the tournament MVP for his outstanding performances. Kenan Blackshear also had a strong tournament, averaging 16.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Michael Forrest and Johnell Davis also made important contributions for the Owls, with Forrest averaging 11.7 points and 4.3 assists per game, and Davis providing a spark off the bench with his energy and scoring ability.
Overall, FAU’s success in the Conference USA Tournament was a team effort, with multiple players stepping up and making key plays throughout the tournament. The Owls will look to carry this momentum into the NCAA Tournament and continue their impressive run.
FAU Owls’ Chances in the Final Four
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Team
The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls have been the underdogs throughout the 2023 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, but they have proven their worth by making it to the Final Four. The Owls have a 35-3 record and have shown that they have what it takes to compete against some of the best teams in the country.
One of the strengths of the Owls is their ability to shoot from beyond the arc. They have made an average of 10.4 three-pointers per game in the tournament, which is the highest among all the teams. The Owls also have a solid defense, allowing an average of only 64.8 points per game.
However, the Owls have struggled with turnovers throughout the tournament. They have an average of 14 turnovers per game, which is the highest among all the teams in the Final Four. The Owls will need to be more careful with the ball if they want to have a chance of winning the championship.
Matchup Analysis
The Owls will face the San Diego State Aztecs in the Final Four. The Aztecs are the favorites to win the game, but the Owls have shown that they can compete against the odds.
The Aztecs have a strong defense, allowing an average of only 58.8 points per game in the tournament. They also have a solid offense, scoring an average of 73.2 points per game. The Owls will need to find a way to break through the Aztecs’ defense if they want to win the game.
The Owls’ three-point shooting will be crucial in this matchup. The Aztecs have allowed an average of 8.2 three-pointers per game in the tournament, which is the highest among all the teams in the Final Four. If the Owls can continue their hot shooting from beyond the arc, they will have a chance of winning the game.
Predictions
The game between the Owls and the Aztecs will be a close one, but the Aztecs are the favorites to win. However, the Owls have shown that they can compete against the odds, and they have the potential to pull off an upset.
If the Owls can limit their turnovers and continue their hot shooting from beyond the arc, they will have a chance of winning the game. However, they will need to play their best game of the tournament to beat the Aztecs.
Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca
