The Tennessee Vols looked to be in control early on in this game but no consistent scoring option left them vulnerable to the Florida Atlantic Owls. FAU would come roaring back after trailing at the half for the 62-55 victory.
The Owls had only made it to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in school history. Until they knocked off the No. 8 Memphis Tigers, they had never won a tournament game. Now they are 40 minutes away from a trip to the Final Four, they just have to get by the Kansas State Wildcats in the Elite Eight.
However, on Thursday night they were the kings of the court. At least when it came to playing the Vols. Tennessee shot an abysmal 33.3% from the field in this game and 26.1% from behind the arc. Not to mention, the Owls outrebounded them as well. The Vols did create turnovers, they just couldn’t do anything with the ball.
Johnell Davis of FAU led all scorers with 15 points, nine of which came on 10 free throw attempts. Michael Forrest came off the bench giving the Owls a spark with 11 points with three of his six shots from beyond the arc falling for him.
The Vols’ Josiah Jordan James and Jonas Aidoo each scored 10 points but it just wasn’t enough offense. Their defense kept them in the game but lack of shots dropping will eventually do your team in, especially this late in the tournament.
Rick Barnes’ postseason record dropped to .500 after this game at 27-27. As the Vols head coach, he hasn’t been able to get past the Sweet 16.
College Sports Wire checks in on Twitter and what they were discussing after the game.