No. 24 FAU wins over W Kentucky 76-62 to claim the first ranked victory

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Nicholas Boyd had 16 points, Alijah Martin added 15 off the bench and No. 24 Florida Atlantic won its 16th consecutive game by running past Western Kentucky, 76-62, on Monday night.

After becoming a professional, it takes hours to get back on your feet. ranked for the first time In school history, the Owls (17-1 and 7-0 Conference USA) led 34-33 at halftime, before leading by 54% to win the game. Martin’s 7:58 remaining layup triggered a 7-0 spurt, giving FAU a 69-55% lead. W. Kentucky (11-7-34) was 18-12 during the final 10 minute. The Hilltoppers never got close to seven for the rest of their game.

Dayvion McKnight scored 15 points, while Jordan Rawls had 13. W. Kentucky’s three-game winning streak in conference play was ended by Jordan Rawls.

Nick Boyd was 6/10 from the field, including 3/6 from long range. Johnell Davis, who was also on the bench for the Owls, added 14 points.

FAU scored 19 of 26 free throws.

W. Kentucky played again in South Carolina without Rick Stansbury, their head coach. Stansbury was out due to an undisclosed illness. Associate head coach Phil Cunningham has led the team in Stansbury’s absence.

BIG PICTURE

The win helped Florida Atlantic keep the nation’s second-longest current win streak intact and helped the Owls take command in the C-USA standings at 7-0.

After three consecutive wins, Western Kentucky was unable to sustain momentum. In 2018, the Hilltoppers defeated No. 15 Wisconsin 83-75, Dec. 29, 2018, Bowling Green

UP NEXT

Florida Atlantic hosts UTSA on Thursday evening.

On Thursday night, Louisiana Tech will host Western Kentucky.

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