San Antonio, TX — The University of Texas at San Antonio hosted Florida Atlantic University Sunday afternoon in a conference showdown. FAU won its past four games since their unfortunate upset loss against Charlotte and look to continue their win streak to secure the number 1 spot in the AAC. For UTSA, they had lost four straight games and desperately looking to not make it five in a row. Being considered a major underdog in the game. UTSA played like they had nothing to lose.
UTSA opened the game with eight 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes to blow open the lead to 36-20. FAU would battle back thanks to key buckets by star player Johnell Davis, but UTSA had a star of their own to trade buckets in Jordan Ivey-Curry. It seemed that every time Johnell Davis hit a big shot, Ivey-Curry would hit one himself to sustain the lead. By halftime, the game was 53-49 UTSA.
In the second half, it was more of the same. UTSA were in the driver’s seat of this game. No matter how many big shots both of FAU’s stars Alijah Martin and Davis hit, Ivey-Curry, Christian Tucker, and the rest of UTSA would respond to keep the lead. However, in the final minute of the game. Davis attempted a 3-pointer and missed it. However, he was fouled on the shot and hit three clutch free throws to tie the game 91-91 which sent the game into overtime. In overtime, Martin scored nine points to secure the win 112-103.
Johnell Davis played a phenomenal game against UTSA. Davis finished the day with 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and only one turnover. Not only that, but he was extremely efficient on the day finishing shooting 11-of- 19 (57%) from the field, 3-of-6 from the 3-point line and a perfect 9-of-9 on free throws. To simply put, Davis put on a show. His ability to create his own shots as well as hit big time shots was key for FAU. Davis had the opportunity to enter the 2023 draft but opted to come back to FAU to lead them to another successful season and better his draft stock. It seems as if he made the right decision.
Alijah Martin, FAU’s other star, finished the day with 26 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Martin has been inefficient from the field so far this season but was crucial for FAU today. Especially in overtime where he hit two 3-pointers as well as hit an and-1 layup. Martin also played crucial perimeter defense to help limit the opportunities of UTSA guards. Martin had a comeback game and his leadership will be necessary for team success moving forward.
For UTSA, Jordan Ivey-Curry played like his life was dependent on it. Ivey-Curry finished with a season best 38 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. He finished from all over the court whether it was finishing around the basket, hitting tough drives when attacking closeouts, or hitting key threes. He could not be stopped. He shot 10-of-20 from the field, 4-of-8 from the 3-point line and 14-of-17 on his free throw attempts. Though UTSA got the loss, Ivey-Curry deserves to hold his head up high after his masterful performance.
Moving forward, UTSA will look to build on the positives of this game and take that energy to face Tulane on January 24th. Meanwhile FAU improved their win streak to five and look to carry that momentum as they continue their Texas journey facing Rice, also on January 24th.
This article was written by Matthew Lawyer, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter.
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