For the first time in school history, FAU is ranked in the AP Top 25. The Owls are 19-1 and ranked 21st in the country. FAU’s lone loss came to Ole Miss early in the 2022-23 season. The Owls’ program has only been playing Division I basketball since 1988 and has just one NCAA tournament appearance. That came back in 2002 when FAU was a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference.
Sophomore G Johnell Davis (13.4 ppg) is the Owls leading scorer. FAU ranks in the top-50 in scoring (76.6 ppg), scoring defense (63.6), and rebounding (38.6 rpg). The Owls’ are beating opponents by an average of 12.7 points per game, which ranks 11th in the nation. The problem for FAU is they play in Conference-USA and haven’t played the toughest of schedules. Still, the Owls are unbeaten in conference play and will be the No. 1 seed in the C-USA tournament. They will be favored to get to the Big Dance.
Intriguing Facts About the Florida Atlantic Owls
The Florida Atlantic Owls’ basketball program is rich with lesser-known yet fascinating facts. The team’s inception dates back to the 1988–89 season, marking the start of a journey from NCAA Division II to Division I in a remarkably short span of five years. Despite facing a coaching carousel, the program found stability and success under the leadership of Dusty May, who led them to their first Final Four appearance in 2023. This milestone is a testament to the team’s growth and strategic prowess. The Owls play their home games at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, a venue with a modest capacity of 2,900, offering an intimate and formidable home-court advantage.
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The Historical Tapestry of the Florida Atlantic Owls
The Owls’ basketball story began in earnest in 1988, competing initially in NCAA Division II. The rapid transition to Division I by 1993 was a significant leap, marking their entry into the Atlantic Sun Conference. Over the years, the Owls have been part of different conferences, including the Sun Belt and Conference USA. Each period in their history has been characterized by gradual growth, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. This journey has shaped the team’s identity and laid a strong foundation for future success.
The Golden Era: Dusty May and the 2023 Final Four Run
The appointment of Coach Dusty May in 2018 heralded a new era for the Owls, one characterized by a focus on teamwork, strategic play, and resilience. May’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing unity and a strong defensive mindset, played a pivotal role in the team’s transformation. The 2023 season, in particular, was a watershed moment for the program, as the Owls achieved their first-ever Final Four appearance in NCAA history. This era not only brought unprecedented success but also instilled a belief in the team that they could compete at the highest levels of college basketball.
Legendary Figures in Florida Atlantic Owls History
Throughout their history, the Florida Atlantic Owls have been shaped by several key figures, including influential coaches and standout players. Coaches like Dusty May have left an indelible mark on the program, leading the team to historic heights. The contributions of these individuals have not only enhanced the team’s performance but also enriched the program’s legacy.
A Game to Remember
The 2023 Elite Eight game against Kansas State is etched in the memory of Florida Atlantic Owls fans. This 79-76 victory was not just a game; it was a symbol of the team’s growth, resilience, and fighting spirit. It marked their entry into the Final Four, a historic achievement for the program. The game’s significance goes beyond the scoreline, representing a milestone in the Owls’ basketball journey.
Florida Atlantic Owls [year] Schedule
Regular Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Date: Wed 08/11/2023 | Opponent: Loyola-Chicago Ramblers | Result: W 75-62 |
| Week 2 | Date: Tue 14/11/2023 | Opponent: Eastern Michigan Eagles | Result: W 100-57 |
| Week 2 | Date: Sat 18/11/2023 | Opponent: Bryant Bulldogs | Result: L 52-61 |
| Week 3 | Date: Thu 23/11/2023 | Opponent: Butler Bulldogs | Result: W 91-86 |
| Week 3 | Date: Fri 24/11/2023 | Opponent: Texas A&M Aggies | Result: W 96-89 |
| Week 3 | Date: Sun 26/11/2023 | Opponent: Virginia Tech Hokies | Result: W 84-50 |
| Week 4 | Date: Thu 30/11/2023 | Opponent: Liberty Flames | Result: W 83-58 |
| Week 4 | Date: Sat 02/12/2023 | Opponent: Charleston Cougars | Result: W 90-74 |
| Week 5 | Date: Tue 05/12/2023 | Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini | Result: L 89-98 |
| Week 6 | Date: Wed 13/12/2023 | Opponent: Florida International Panthers | Result: W 94-60 |
| Week 6 | Date: Sat 16/12/2023 | Opponent: St. Bonaventure Bonnies | Result: W 64-54 |
| Week 7 | Date: Sat 23/12/2023 | Opponent: Arizona Wildcats | Result: W 96-95 |
| Week 8 | Date: Sat 30/12/2023 | Opponent: Florida Gulf Coast Eagles | Result: L 68-72 |
| Week 9 | Date: Tue 02/01/2024 | Opponent: East Carolina Pirates | Result: W 79-64 |
| Week 9 | Date: Sat 06/01/2024 | Opponent: Charlotte 49ers | Result: L 68-70 |
| Week 10 | Date: Thu 11/01/2024 | Opponent: Tulane Green Wave | Result: W 85-84 |
| Week 10 | Date: Sun 14/01/2024 | Opponent: UAB Blazers | Result: W 86-73 |
| Week 11 | Date: Thu 18/01/2024 | Opponent: Wichita St. Shockers | Result: W 86-77 |
| Week 11 | Date: Sun 21/01/2024 | Opponent: Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners | Result: W 112-103 |
| Week 12 | Date: Wed 24/01/2024 | Opponent: Rice Owls | Result: W 69-56 |
| Week 12 | Date: Sun 28/01/2024 | Opponent: North Texas Mean Green | Result: W 66-63 |
| Week 13 | Date: Sat 03/02/2024 | Opponent: Tulsa Golden Hurricane | Result: W 102-70 |
| Week 14 | Date: Thu 08/02/2024 | Opponent: UAB Blazers | Result: L 73-76 |
| Week 14 | Date: Sun 11/02/2024 | Opponent: Wichita St. Shockers | Result: W 95-82 |
| Week 15 | Date: Thu 15/02/2024 | Opponent: Temple Owls | Result: W 80-68 |
| Week 15 | Date: Sun 18/02/2024 | Opponent: South Florida Bulls | Result: L 86-90 |
| Week 16 | Date: Thu 22/02/2024 | Opponent: Southern Methodist Mustangs | Result: W 80-70 |
| Week 16 | Date: Sun 25/02/2024 | Opponent: Memphis Tigers | Result: L 74-78 |
| Week 17 | Date: Sat 02/03/2024 | Opponent: Tulane Green Wave | Result: W 79-73 |
| Week 18 | Date: Wed 06/03/2024 | Opponent: North Texas Mean Green | Result: W 80-76 |
| Week 18 | Date: Sat 09/03/2024 | Opponent: Memphis Tigers | Result: W 92-84 |
Post Season
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Fri 15/03/2024 | Opponent: North Texas Mean Green | Result: W 77-71 |
| Conf. Tournament | Date: Sat 16/03/2024 | Opponent: Temple Owls | Result: L 73-74 |
| NCAA Tournament | Date: Fri 22/03/2024 | Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats | Result: L 65-77 |
Home of Florida Atlantic Owls: Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena
The Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, the home of the Florida Atlantic Owls, is more than just a basketball venue. With its capacity of 2,900, it offers an intimate setting that has played a significant role in the team’s identity and culture. The arena’s atmosphere, steeped in history, has provided the Owls with a unique home-court advantage, contributing significantly to their success over the years.
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