Florida Atlantic vs. Virginia Tech Game Capsensus

Martin scores 17 as No. 19 Florida Atlantic beat Virginia Tech 84-50 to win ESPN Events Invitational

Sun, Nov 26, 2023
NCAAB News (AP)

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Alijah Martin scored 17 points, Vladislav Goldin had 14, and No. 19 Florida Atlantic beat Virginia Tech 84-50 to win the ESPN Events Invitational championship on Sunday.

Johnell Davis had 12 points for FAU (5-1). Martin (eight) and Davis (seven) combined for 15 rebounds.

Virginia Tech (5-2) got 11 points from both Hunter Cattoor and Sean Pedulla. Lynn Kidd had nine point and seven rebounds.

FAU broke the game open late in the first half and early during the second with a 19-0 run to up 44-24 with 16 1/2 minutes remaining.

Other news Thornton, Gayle lead Ohio State past No. 17 Alabama in Emerald Coast Classic D.J. Wagner scores 28, No. 16 Kentucky routs Marshall 118-82 for most points under John Calipari No. 19 Florida Atlantic passes early test, beats No. 12 Texas A&M in ESPN Events Invitational

Martin's 3 made it 69-39 with 7 1/2 minutes left. It was FAU's ninth trey in 19 tries, while Virginia Tech had missed all 13 of its 3-point shots up to that point.

FAU finished 9 for 22, while Virginia Tech ended up making 2 of 17.

FAU took a 32-24 lead at the half when Martin had a dunk and Goldin made a layup during a 7-0 run. The Owls had the first 12 points in the second, including 3's by Davis and Martin.

Kidd ended Virginia Tech's 8 1/2 minute scoring on a dunk with 16 minutes to play.

SPECIAL HOMECOMING

Cattoor is an Orlando native and playing in front of family and friends had extra meaning. His father, Rodney, was recently declared in remission after battling pancreatic cancer over the last year.

BIG PICTURE

FAU: The Owls mixed in long-range shooting and solid inside play from Goldin to rebound from last week's stunning 60-51 home loss to Bryant in their three wins at the invitational, including a 96-89 triumph over No. 12 Texas A&M.

Virginia Tech: Kidd, a 6 foot-10 senior looks he can be a strong inside presence for the Hokies.

UP NEXT:

FAU: Returns home to face Liberty on Thursday night.

Virginia Tech: Takes part Wednesday Night in the ACC/SEC Challenge at Auburn.

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