Florida Atlantic University continued its strong start to the 2026-27 men’s basketball season on Wednesday night, defeating William & Mary 95-90 at the FAU Arena. The Owls (2-1) were propelled by a standout performance from senior guard Josh Harris, who tallied 25 points and added eight rebounds.
Key contributors
Harris opened the game with a steady scoring effort, posting 12 points in the first half. The Owls trailed 42-39 at halftime, but Harris kept his composure and helped the team rally in the second half. He finished with a career‑high 25 points, showcasing a mix of perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket.
Teammates Kanaan Carlyle and Jelani Hamilton each contributed 21 points, with Carlyle also pulling down seven rebounds. Carlyle’s second‑half surge of 15 points was instrumental in turning a five‑point deficit into a five‑point victory.
William & Mary response
William & Mary fought back throughout the contest. Senior guard Brian Carter Jr. led the Tribe with 21 points, complemented by six assists and two steals. Josh Baldwin added 15 points and four assists, while Gavin Ward chipped in 11 points. Despite the Tribe’s balanced attack, the Owls’ late‑game execution proved decisive.
Game flow
The matchup was tightly contested from the opening tip. Both teams exchanged leads, with the Owls relying on Harris’s scoring bursts and Carlyle’s rebounding to stay competitive. In the final minutes, FAU’s defense forced a turnover that led to a quick basket, extending the lead to five points. William & Mary attempted a comeback, but missed key shots, allowing the Owls to seal the win.
Looking ahead
Florida Atlantic will host Coastal Georgia on Saturday, giving the Owls another opportunity to build momentum at home. William & Mary travels to Michigan for its next game on Sunday, seeking to bounce back after the close loss.
Both programs are early in their non‑conference schedules, and the result adds valuable experience for the Owls as they aim to contend for a postseason berth later in the year.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
