WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Lead performance by Vladislav Goldin with 20 points and Brandon Weatherspoon with 19 points propelled No. 20 Florida Atlantic to an enthralling 95-82 win in overtime against Wichita State on a recent Sunday encounter.
The Owls, now standing at 19-5 overall and 9-2 in the American Athletic Conference, took charge in overtime, outpacing the Shockers with a substantial 21-8 run. Their efficient shooting was evident with a game field goal percentage of 47.2%.
Dusty May, the head coach of Florida Atlantic, cited the importance of hustle plays at the start of overtime that spurred his team forward. According to May, these efforts were crucial for establishing the necessary margin for victory.
Coming off the bench, Xavier Bell led Wichita State with 25 points, and Colby Rogers continued his scoring consistency with a 21-point contribution, marking his fifth consecutive double-figure game. The Shockers had a commendable field goal percentage of 50.8% despite the loss.
Wichita State’s coach Paul Mills expressed his thoughts on the team’s initial game strategy focusing on passing and the need for shot quality, praising Rogers and Bell for their shooting efforts. Wichita State briefly led after a crucial three-pointer by Bell with 42 seconds to go, but forced into overtime at 74-74 with free throws being decisive for both teams.
Florida Atlantic overcame a shaky start where they missed their first six field goal attempts, yet they kept Wichita State at bay by allowing only nine points during that period. Weatherspoon played a pivotal role in reviving the team’s energy early in the game.
Coach May praised Weatherspoon for his contribution that often goes unnoticed, emphasizing the significant impact he has on the team, beyond what is reflected by his statistics alone. The Owls used Wichita State’s 17 turnovers to their advantage, converting them into 16 points and highlighting an ongoing issue for the Shockers, who have struggled with turnovers throughout the season.
The BIG PICTURE section details that Florida Atlantic’s strength was in their inside game with 44 points in the paint, and despite a less impressive 7 for 23 from beyond the arc, their free throws were instrumental, hitting 20 out of 22 attempts.
On the other hand, Wichita State’s commendable shooting was overshadowed by their turnovers. Their season showed difficulties in maintaining a positive assist to turnover ratio, a stat in which they ranked 273rd in the nation.
UP NEXT segments informed fans about Florida Atlantic’s upcoming home game against Temple and Wichita State’s visit to East Carolina, both scheduled for Thursday night.
Concluding elements of the report invite enthusiastic basketball followers to stay informed about the AP Top 25 basketball poll throughout the season by signing up for alerts and updates.
FAQs
Who were the standout players for Florida Atlantic?
Vladislav Goldin with 20 points and Brandon Weatherspoon with 19 points led the team to victory.
What was the final score of the game?
Florida Atlantic beat Wichita State 95-82 in overtime.
How did the teams perform statistically?
The Owls shot 47.2% from the field and Wichita State shot 50.8%. Additionally, free throws were significant for the Owls, who went 20 for 22 from the line.
What was Florida Atlantic’s record after this game?
The Owls improved to 19-5 overall with a 9-2 record in the American Athletic Conference.
Where can basketball fans get updates on AP Top 25 basketball?
Fans can sign up for alerts and updates on the season’s progress through the AP Top 25 basketball polling system.
Conclusion
The tension-filled match between No. 20 Florida Atlantic and Wichita State ended with the Owls seizing a commanding overtime win, bolstered by outstanding performances from Goldin and Weatherspoon. While Wichita State had a strong shooting night, their turnover issues proved costly. As both teams look ahead to their next games, fans can continue to track the AP Top 25 basketball poll for the latest team performances and rankings throughout the season.
