Florida Atlantic was a narrow favorite for their Field of 68 Tip off opener in Lynchburg on Saturday evening against Charleston, as questions were likely still on the minds of onlookers who saw the team take down Boston College in overtime to start the season.
However most of them were likely answered in the 94-77 result which moved the Owls to 2-0 on the year and sets up a key match-up against host Liberty on Sunday night where FAU will be a six point underdog.
FAU shot 48.5% from the field and 36.7% on three-pointers. And despite uncertainty on how they would perform on the glass, the Owls ended up outrebounding the Cougars 41-34.
The Owls jumped out early and never let the Cougars fully recover. Florida Atlantic built a commanding first-half lead by as many as 19 points.
But unlike the Boston College contest, which saw the Eagles surge ahead for a late lead, they would sustain their advantage into the second, closing out the contest by 17 points.
Charleston showed flashes in the latter half, but the early deficit proved too much to erase. The Cougars struggled offensively early, shooting very poorly in patches; they were held to 16 % from the field in the first several minutes.
FAU’s second-chance opportunities were a major factor — they out-scored Charleston 24-7 on offensive rebounds.
Kanaan Carlyle (photo above center) led the scoring with 14 points and Devin Williams was close to a double-double with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Maxim Logue (video below) was perfect from the floor on 6-of-6 shooting while displaying soft touches around the rim and finishing with 12 points.
Logue showing some finess here as #FAU is looking to ice Game One in Lynchburg against #Charleston. Owls leading 78-60 with under 5:00 to play 🔥 https://t.co/brZ3RUQOMr pic.twitter.com/2qZDrAkSha
— FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) November 9, 2025
All in all, FAU had six players in double figures, with all 13 players who stepped on the floor finding the scoreboard.
Jlynn Counter led the Cougars with 22 points and 6 rebounds.
The Owls will take on Liberty Sunday at 6:00 PM for the weekend finale of the Field of 68.