Jan. 2, 2008

Final Stats

BOCA RATON, FL - In its first game of 2008, the Florida Atlantic University men's basketball team, fought valiantly but could not defeat South Alabama.

The Owls came out and fought hard against the East Division leading Jaguars and were able to build a four point lead against USA at 27-23. The Jaguars responded with a 17-4 run covering eight and a half minutes between the first and second halves.

FAU pulled to within to one at 42-41 with 9:27 remaining. The game's turning point came at the 7:59 mark when Owl forward Jeff Parmer left the game with five fouls. FAU was able to tie the game at 44 shortly thereafter, but USA outscored FAU 15-2 over the next five minutes to put the game away.

Paul Graham III scored eight points and six rebounds in his first action since November 18. Carlos Monroe posted his seventh double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

The Owls return to action on Saturday when they travel to Miami to take on rival Florida International. The game starts at 7:30 with live audio available on fausports.com and WMEN-640AM.