Florida Atlantic men’s basketball team snaps six-game losing streak

BOCA RATON — Florida Atlantic’s men’s basketball team snapped its six-game losing streak with a win over Temple on Feb. 26, toppling their Owl counterparts 77-73 in an American Conference clash.

FAU (16-13, 8-8) overcame a six-point halftime deficit to secure the win despite guards Devin Vanterpool and Isaiah Elohim sitting out with injuries. The Owls also snapped a three-game home losing streak in sweeping the season series from Temple (15-13, 7-8).

Advertisement

Kanaan Carlyle led the way for FAU with 22 points, including a free throw in the final seconds to seal the victory. Xander Pintelon scored 12 and Yohann Sissoko added 10 off the bench. Temple’s Gavin Griffiths and Derrian Ford each scored 20 points.

More FAU basketball: FAU basketball opponent named in federal indictment for fixing games

“We’re thankful for what we have, and I think right now, we’re just going to celebrate this win,” FAU head coach John Jakus said.

FAU will be back in action on March 1 when it hosts the Charlotte 49ers. Here are takeaways from Thursday night’s win:

Amar Amkou steps up, hits clutch basket to seal FAU victory

The Florida Atlantic bench erupts after a big play during the win over Temple on Feb. 26 in Boca Raton.

With Vanterpool missing his third-straight game while nursing an ankle injury and Elohim out with an undisclosed injury, Amar Amkou drew the start.

Advertisement

After scoring 14 points and hitting four three-pointers against North Texas on Feb. 22, Amkou delivered once again, scoring 8 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. He also converted a clutch and-one layup with 24 seconds left to give FAU a 3-point advantage that it wouldn’t relinquish.

“I think Amar has slid under the radar,” Jakus said. “He’s had some high highs. I thought [North Texas], his shooting kept us in the game for a good bit. Tonight, there was some toughness in there.”

Carlyle also applauded Amkou for his effort, and timely shot-making in the win over Temple.

“He was able to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/florida-atlantic-mens-basketball-team-125453366.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-02-27 12:54:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.