Jan. 5, 2004

Final Stats

BOCA RATON, FL - - Florida Atlantic University erased a 10 point deficit in the last four minutes of the game to force a tie but couldn't get over the hump falling, 79-76, to Georgia State University Monday evening. FAU dropped to 6-5 on the year and 3-1 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. GSU improved to 7-6 and 2-2 in the A-Sun. Mike Bell led the Owls in scoring with 20 points while GSU's Nate Williams led all scorers with 22.

FAU led for most of the first half, but it was GSU with a two point, 38-36, lead heading into the break. The Owls twice pushed the lead to eight points but saw the latter of the two slip away when GSU closed the half on a 14-6 run.

The Panthers used stiff zone defense to spark a 9-0 run to open the second half. That run gave GSU a double digit advantage, 47-36, with 17:16 left to play. GSU held the lead until the Owls fought back to tie the game at 76-76 with 16 seconds showing on the clock.

Two fouls by FAU allowed GSU to grab a three point lead by sinking three of four free throws with ten seconds remaining. Bell's final shot to tie the game glanced off the side of the rim as time expired.

For the game, the Panthers attempted 44 free throws making 34, while the Owls made 17 of their 21 attempts.

"Our guys showed a lot of courage by coming back," head coach Sidney Green said following the game. "It's just very hard to put a team to the free throw line 44 times and win."

The Owls attempted 17 more shots than the Panthers, converting on 27-of-65 field goal attempts. GSU was 21-of-48 from the floor. GSU had the edge in rebounds as well, 38-33.

Jeff Hamilton and Kahleaf Watson joined Bell in double digits with 16 and 12, respectively. All of Hamilton's points came in the first half.

Trello Galloway dumped in 17 points and teammate Kevin Thomas contributed 10 for the Panthers.

FAU next plays at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL, 7:30 pm, January 9.