Photo Credit: FAU Athletics
After three disappointing games in the Ungar Memorial Tournament (Alabama), Florida Atlantic returned to Boca Raton looking to continue the momentum picked up in their win against Mobile.
The Owls did exactly that and then some against Florida National in their home opener. FAU quickly finished off the Conquistadors, picking up a 128-64 win.
Jailyn Ingram led the Owls in scoring with 26 points on 9-12 shooting. Freshman Alijah Martin also contributed 21 points, while hauling in seven total rebounds. As a team, the Owls shot 61.9 percent from the floor and 52.2 percent from deep.
The Owls got off to a quick 10-point lead in the game’s opening minutes and never looked back. By halftime, the Owls led 85-31 and were shooting 63.3 percent from the floor. The Owls relentless’ defense held Florida National to just 28.3 percent from the floor.
The second half wasn’t much different for the Owls. FAU eclipsed the century mark with a Giancarlo Rosado lay-up about six minutes into the final frame. With nine minutes remaining, the Owls broke the program record for points in a game. The previous record of 111 points was set back in 1988.
Takeaway 1 – The Jailyn Ingram Show is Back
Despite battling some injuries throughout his FAU career, Jailyn Ingram was back to his old self against Florida National. The senior forward finished the night with a game-high 26 points.
Ingram is already one of FAU’s all-time best players. Ingram currently sits at 9th in career points and 8th in career rebounds. By the time his FAU career ends, he’ll be even further up those boards, fully cementing his legacy.
Ingram is still critical this season to the team in other ways. He’s a true creator who’s capable of scoring anywhere on the floor. At 6-7, Ingram creates match-up nightmares and allows FAU’s shooters to get open around the three-point line.
FAU has two tough challenges against Florida and North Carolina State coming up. If FAU wants to pick up a win, Ingram will have to be at his best for the Owls.
Takeaway 2 – Live by the 3, Win by the 3
There’s a common saying in basketball that if you live by the three, you’ll end up dying by the three. No phrase is better to explain how FAU operates on offense.
The Owls had 36 three-point attempts in their season opener against South Alabama and averaged 25 attempts entering the game against Florida National. Against Florida National, the Owls shot 46 threes, hitting on 24 of them.
Ingram led the way with seven three-pointers on eight attempts. Guard BJ Greenlee also missed just one three, hitting four of his five attempts. Off the bench, guard Mike Forrest connected on 5 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc.
Through four games, it’s safe to say that this is who the Owls are. They’re not afraid to shoot the ball, even if the spacing isn’t terrific.
Takeaway 3 – BJ Greenlee Impresses in Paradise
BJ Greenlee first put his name on the map for FAU in their season opener, when he led the Owls with 25 points on 7 of 13 shooting. Although Greenlee scored just four total points against Jacksonville State and Mobile, the Minnesota transfer was back to his old ways against Florida National.
In 18 minutes, Greenlee finished with 14 points on 8 field goal attempts. From deep, Greenlee connected on four of his five attempts. He also contributed four assists and three steals.
While Ingram might be FAU’s best player, there may be no better spark plug for FAU’s offense than Greenlee. The sophomore guard has a unique ability to create his own shots from three, and can also hit threes off passes. Greenlee allows FAU’s offense to space the floor for Ingram and take scoring pressure off other players.
