Upsetting No.4 Arizona’s Emphatic Form, FAU’s Standout Players Who Led the ‘Game of the Season’

Entering the lion’s den, the No.14 FAU Owls men’s basketball team sent shockwaves when they recorded a huge victory over a No.4 ranked team, in a game on Saturday just before Christmas. In a highlight anticipated matchup between the Owls and the Wildcats, the former recorded a flawless victory with the final score of 96-95 in double overtime. 

As the underdogs triumphed over Arizona’s emphatic form, it was the standout performances of FAU’s players that stole the spotlight leaving the world in awe. 

The Amazing Owls

Playing in a double overtime game after 2012, the Owls secured a huge win and it’s all thanks to their outstanding players. Out of all the players, junior guard Johnell Davis stood out the most as he recorded a season-high 35 points, playing a crucial role in their victory. Impressed by his exceptional performance, in a post-game interview with University Press, head coach Dusty May praised the young star.

He said, “If I can describe him in one word it’s hooper. He’s never phased by the moment, by the stage.” Aside from Davis, it was Giancarlo Rosado who sealed the victory after he made two free throws in the last few seconds of the game making the score 96-95. 

The Owls’ guard Jalen Gaffney also played a huge role as he put up 20 points for the team with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The game between these two powerhouses was just what fans needed as an early Christmas present. Left in awe by this match, even sports analysts of The Field Of 68: After Dark called this match of the season as they discussed this matchup. 

Read More: First to Jordan’s Brand, Exploring Kiki Rice’s NIL Deals

Notably, with a determined mindset and sheer will the FAU Owls are having one of the best seasons in the ongoing NCAA season.

How have they performed so far?

The FAU Owls Boys started the 2023-24 NCAA season with a tremendous win over the Loyola Chicago Ramblers in their season opener with a final score of 75-62.

So far, they have played twelve matches out of which they have won ten with an average score difference of 15.4 and lost two. The only loss they have recorded till now was against the Bryant Bulldogs and the Illinois Fighting Illini. 

Watch This Story: How Did Caitlin Clarks Jersey Number Make an Impact for Gatorade

Johnell Davis is leading the Owls as their primary scorer and rebounder, he is currently averaging 16.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. As the team secured their biggest win of the season so far, against the Wildcats, they have set the stage for what can be expected from them in the upcoming games.