What: FAU vs Charleston and Liberty
When: November 8th and 9th, 6:00 PM
Where: Lynchburg, VA
Series: 1-10 vs Charleston, 3-1 vs Liberty
TV: YouTube
Radio: Fox 640
Line: TBA
Fresh off a resounding victory over Boston College, the Owls hit the road for Lynchburg, VA to take on College of Charleston and Liberty on successive nights in The Field of 68.
Florida Atlantic opens the event Saturday evening versus the Cougars, which are led by coach Chris Mack who is entering his second season. Charleston proved efficient in ball movement last year (15.9 APG) and takes care of the ball (11.4 TPG) as well.
On Sunday FAU will face Liberty in what amounts to back-to-back mid-major showdowns. A battle-tested group with a number of key returners this season, the Flames continue to be known for their tough defense and efficient shooting.
FAU at a Glance
Offense – 83 PPG, 43% FG, 52% 3PT
Defense – 78 PPGA, 42.0% FGA, 36% 3PTA
Rebounding – 38 RPG, 52 RPG Opponents
Owl Notables
Florida Atlantic is likely very pleased with their start to the year, knocking off an ACC opponent for the first time since 2002 when upsetting Miami 74-73; which was also an overtime game.
FAU did a lot of things well against Boston College, particularly in long range shooting, where the landed a 52% showing against the Eagles.
FAU jumped out to an early lead, led by a strong first half: they held a 35-31 advantage at intermission.
In the second half, Boston College mounted a charge, building as large as a nine-point lead with under five minutes remaining.
But the Owls responded with clutch plays as freshman Yohann Sissoko tied the game at 66 with 31 seconds left via a three-pointer, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, the Owls surged ahead, out-scoring BC 17-12 in OT and closed the game on a decisive run.
Charleston at a Glance
Offense – 79 PPG, 40% FG, .04% 3PT
Defense – 58 PPGA, 32% FGA, 24% 3PTA
Rebounding – 57 RPG, 47 RPG Opponents
Cougars Notables
Charleston enters the weekend at 1-0 with a 79-58 over Tusculum. This all while shooting what was likely a program worst 1-of-24 from three point range. Conversely, they committed only five turnovers, the lowest total of the Mack era and fewest since February 10, 2024 vs. Drexel. In turn, Charleston caused 18 Tusculum turnovers.
Charleston held Tusculum scoreless for nearly three minutes, forcing the Pioneers to go 0-5 from the field and score just nine more points in the half to take a 41-20 lead into the locker room.
Six Cougars ended the night scoring in double figures, led by Chris Davis Jr. and Machot with a game-high 14 each. Kendall Taylor and Reeves contributed 12 a piece followed by Kalu with 11 and Counter with ten.
Liberty at a Glance
Offense – 98 PPG, 61% FG, 49% 3PT
Defense – 57 PPGA, 35% FGA, 39% 3PTA
Rebounding – 46 RPG, 23 RPG Opponents
Flames Notables
Liberty also has a game under the belt, notching a lopsided 98-57 win over Kentucky Christian last Monday night.
The Flames were led by Brett Decker Jr., who scored a career-high 29 points in his first career start. Zach Cleveland (13 PT, 10 RB) notched his first career double-double, and JJ Harper (11 PT) and Ryan Jones Jr. (10 PT) both reached double figures in their debuts.
Liberty finished the night shooting 61.3 percent (38-of-62) from the floor and 48.5 percent (16-of-33) from three-point territory.
The Flames’ defense limited Kentucky Christian to 35 percent from the field (21-of-60). Liberty held a decisive 46-23 edge in rebounding.
Final Thoughts
With two quality mid-major programs on tap, this weekend offers FAU a continued early-season barometer. And while still early in the year, these games will continue to be as much about establishing identity as they will about wins and losses.
If FAU can take care of the ball, crash the glass, and keep Charleston cold from downtown, the Owls have a shot to start 2-0 in the event. But Charleston will likely press and an interrupted pace and could frustrate FAU’s transition game.
FAU will need depth and composure against Liberty. If the Owls come out flat or allow the Flames to dictate tempo, it could turn into a difficult night. But if FAU carries momentum and executes, they could split or even sweep the two-game weekend.