NORFOLK, Va. (ODUSports.com) – In the Conference USA home opener, the Old Dominion men's basketball team (6-3, 2-1 C-USA) took down Florida Atlantic (5-5, 0-1 C-USA) by a 71-67 score on Friday night at Chartway Arena.
After trailing by as many as nine in the first half, the Owls claimed a 43-42 advantage at the 18:50 mark of the second half. The Monarchs responded with an 18-8 run to take a 60-51 lead with 10:07 to play.
FAU continued to chip away, pulling within two, 69-67, with possession and a chance to tie or take the lead, but Malik Curry [odusports.com] forced a turnover and then got fouled, sealing the deal with two made free throws with three seconds remaining in regulation.
Old Dominion was led by Austin Trice (17 points and four rebounds) and Xavier Green (16 points, six rebounds and four assists). Also in double-figures for the Monarchs was Malik Curry, who went for 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jaylin Hunter chipped in nine points, while A.J. Oliver II finished with eight points.
For the contest, Old Dominion's bench outscored Florida's Atlantic's 29-8.
The Monarchs claimed a 40-37 lead at halftime lead by a balanced scoring attack: Green (nine points), Trice (nine points), Hunter (seven points), Curry (six points) and Oliver II (six points).
Old Dominion will be right back in action tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. EST against Florida Atlantic at Chartway Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. EST.
