No. 20 FAU goes OT to knock off Wichita State

Field Level Media|published: Sun 11th February, 14:59 2024

Feb 11, 2024; Wichita, Kansas, USA; Wichita State Shockers guard Xavier Bell (1) dribbles the ball against Florida Atlantic Owls guard Bryan Greenlee (4) during the first half at Charles Koch Arena. credits: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

Vladislav Goldin scored six of his team-high 20 points to help visiting No. 20 Florida Atlantic defeat Wichita State 95-82 in overtime Sunday afternoon in American Athletic Conference play at Wichita, Kan.

The Owls outscored Wichita State 21-8 in the extra period.

The Owls (19-5, 9-2 AAC) had five players in double figures. Joining Goldin were Brandon Weatherspoon (19 points), Johnell Davis (14), and Bryan Greenlee and Alijah Martin with 11 each.

The Shockers (10-14, 2-9) were led by Xavier Bell with 25 points. Colby Rogers added 21 points.

Goldin keyed a 12-4 run for Florida Atlantic to open the largest lead by either team at 55-48. The Owls made six straight field goals, including three by Goldin in that stretch. The Shockers managed to cut it to a two-point deficit, but the Owls then stretched it to nine points at 68-59.

Once again, Wichita State responded, this time with a 7-0 run to cut it to 68-66 with just over four minutes remaining. The Shockers had multiple possessions with a chance to tie or take the lead. They couldn't convert until Bell hit a 3-pointer with the shot clock running down and 42 seconds left, giving Wichita State a 73-72 lead.

Greenlee was fouled driving to the basket with 34.3 seconds left. He hit both free throws to give Florida Atlantic a 74-73 lead.

Bell then made one of two free throws with 17.2 seconds left as Wichita State tied it. The Owls bobbled an inbounds pass with two seconds left, but Wichita State's game-winning attempt caromed off the rim.

The Owls scored the first six points of overtime and weren't threatened.

Wichita State started strong against Florida Atlantic once again. After taking an 11-point lead into halftime before losing 86-77 in their first meeting in Boca Raton, Fla., earlier this season, the Shockers had as much as a six-point lead in the first half. Both teams traded runs, as there were five ties and seven lead changes in the first half. The Owls took a narrow 38-36 lead into the locker room.

Weatherspoon led all scorers with 10 points for the Owls. Wichita State was led by Bell and Rogers with eight points apiece in the half.

—Field Level Media

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