In a thrilling start to their season, the #10 Florida Atlantic Owls (1-0) showcased their prowess in the Barstool Sports Invitational, triumphing over Loyola University Chicago (0-1) Ramblers with a 75-62 victory. This compelling win comes on the heels of the Owls' historic Final Four run in the 2023 NCAA basketball tournament.
Head coach Dusty May commended his team's performance, emphasizing the importance of their collective effort in overcoming challenges. While acknowledging occasional lapses in execution and defensive errors, May highlighted the players' exceptional cohesion and support for one another, underscoring the key role of teamwork in their success.
Junior center Vlad Goldin emerged as the star of the night, leading the Owls in both points and rebounds with an impressive double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Goldin's stellar performance included tying his career-high in points. Redshirt sophomore guard Boyd also made a significant contribution, notching 13 points and showcasing a remarkable 60% accuracy from behind the arc.
Reflecting on his standout performance, Goldin attributed his success to the team's collective effort and downplayed his achievements, stating,
"It was probably the same thing that make tough shots, and I was able to reach it. There’s nothing crazy about that."
The game's momentum swung in favor of the Owls early on, with Junior guard Johnell Davis and Boyd setting the tone with a quick 5-0 lead. Despite the Ramblers' efforts to stay in the game, the Owls maintained control, leading by 13 points at halftime.
The second half saw Loyola making a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to seven points with an 11-0 run. However, the Owls, under the strategic guidance of Coach May, regrouped, refocused, and reclaimed their dominance. Goldin, Boyd, and Weatherspoon played pivotal roles in extending the lead and securing an 13-point victory.
As the Owls look ahead to their home opener against Eastern Michigan University (0-1) on Tuesday, Nov. 14, anticipation is high. The team's performance in the Barstool Sports Invitational sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming season, and fans can catch the action on ESPN+ as the Owls aim to continue their winning streak in Boca Raton.
