Nov. 17, 2006
NORFOLK, VA -- With two big shots late in the second half sparking a run, the Old Dominion Monarchs came away with another victory early in the season to cap off homecoming week. The Monarchs run their early season record to 3-1 with a 70-55 victory over the Owls of Florida Atlantic. FAU falls to 0-3 on the season with the loss.
The Owls fought back to tie the game with 14:35 left on the clock but the veterans of ODU responded quickly. Seniors Arnaud Dahi and Drew Williamson put the Monarchs up by nine within three minutes of the tie. When the Owls fought back again to pull within five just before the third media timeout of the second half, the Monarchs would respond again. This time it wasn't a senior but a freshman with the screaming statement.
Coming out of the media timeout Brian Henderson controlled the ball on the right wing when freshman Marsharee Neely called for the ball on the baseline. Henderson lofted the ball just over the rim and Neely slammed the alley-oop home. As if that weren't enough, the Monarchs forced a missed shot and got Neely the ball just 30 seconds later and he converted on a three two steps outside of the arc. Neely only took two shots on the game, but those two gave ODU a ten-point spread with just under seven minutes to go. The ten-point lead would be enough for ODU to hold on the rest of the way and finish out with 6 straight made free throws to win 70-55.
Arnaud Dahi was the brightest star for ODU on Friday night with the sixth double double of his career. Dahi netted 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Dahi was incredibly solid from the line hitting 9-of-10, adding two assists and a steal. The only other Monarch with double-digit points was Valdas Vasylius with 15. Vasylius added 6 rebounds as well.
ODU dominated the paint with an overwhelming sway in rebounds at 43-19 and only allowed five offensive boards. The Monarchs continue to struggle with possession totaling 19 turnovers, the third time in four games the Monarchs have turned the ball over at least 14 times. ODU also forced 14 turnovers, however, and earned 14 points off of those possession changes.
The Monarchs finished the night shooting just under 50 percent (23-of-47) and an even 50 percent from beyond the arc (6-of-12). At one point the Monarchs had missed 6 straight free throws but finished with a 72 percent final (18-of-25).
Paul Graham led the Owls with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting. The team shot 40 percent from the field going 20-for-50. However, from beyond the arc the Owls were much less successful shooting a 27.8 clip for the game.
The Monarchs return to the hardwood for their first road game of the 2006-2007 season at Georgetown on Sunday at 6:00 pm.