Florida Atlantic won its third straight game after defeating Texas State (7-4), 89-80, in its home game of 2024 on Saturday.
The freshman center Matas Vokietaitis and junior forward Baba Miller played pivotal roles for the Owls (7-5). Vokietaitis contributed 13 points and nine rebounds, missing his first career double-double by one rebound.
“We were trying to get to the point in the season where both Tre and Matas have good games together. We were fighting between our small and our big ball lineup. I feel like we’re getting closer. Two games in a row both guys have got in double figures,” said Florida Atlantic head coach John Jakus.
Miller stands as the only Owl to achieve a double-double this season. He contributed 11 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
“I am 6’11 (so) blocking shots is something that I am able to do. It gives my team extra confidence on the defensive side, and also helps them stay between the basket and their man,” said Miller.
The Owls protected their home court through strong defense in the second half, causing the Bobcats to have four turnovers in the first four minutes to allow the Owls to build a six-point lead. Miller blocked the ball twice in one possession and then it led to him knocking down a 3 on the other end.
“The coaches have really pushed us to be more physical on the defensive side. We need to keep rolling and continue to take steps in the right direction,” said Miller.
Five FAU players scored in double digits. Tre Caroll scored a team-high 18 points in just 17 minutes of play. For the first time in his collegiate career, he has scored double figures in three consecutive games.
“To go from four minutes a game to what he’s done in the last few weeks, he deserves to be complimented. How special it is for a kid to not exactly know what his role is and then deliver the way he has in the last two weeks. We are thrilled,” said Jakus.
The Owls recorded 23 assists and have had over 20-plus assists in each of the past three games. The Owls also outscored the Bobcats 18-4 on fast-break points.
“Almost everything makes sense when you pass the ball,” said Jakus.
FAU’s spark this season has come from their bench, with the infectious energy installed in each player a key factor to the team’s success. Jakus and the coaching staff have injected energy the Owls, allowing them to perform sharply on both ends of the floor.
“The bench players are easily as good as the starters, any of the bench players can start for us. When they come into the game, they affect the game as much as we do,” said Miller.
