The Florida Atlantic Owls (1-1) rebounded to beat the Warner University Royals despite a slow start. The Owls committed nine turnovers and shot just 42 percent in the first half, but head coach Michael Curry earned his first win at home with FAU basketball.

Justin Raffington led the way for the Owls against the Royals (5-1) with a double-double. The redshirt senior tallied 15 points and 11 rebounds.

He came out aggressively in the second half scoring 10 of his 15 points and utilized his size and strength in the post to help the Owls find open shots on the perimeter after the half.

“Coach drew up a play that we were running like five times in a row where I got the ball on the block, I think that’s what triggered it,” said Raffington. Thanks to his efforts, the Owls were able to jump to an early 41-31 lead in the second half.

Raffington’s post presence gave the Owls a much needed boost. “Seeing that it’s just an energizer for yourself when you see the dominance inside to just keep it going,” said freshman guard Justin Massey.

The Owls’ big men were able to use their size in the paint to gain a 13-rebound advantage and force the Royals to commit 24 personal fouls. Freshman center C.J. Turman and senior forward Kelvin Penn defended the paint well block and altering shots. Penn swatted four shots and Turman blocked one.

Massey also provided much needed scoring and shooting from the two-guard spot. Massey scored 12 points and shot three-of-four from the 3-point line. “It’s always good to hit some shots, and it just got us going offensively and defensively,” said Massey.

Junior guard Jackson Trapp also shot well going three-of-six from the field and providing 13 points for the Owls.

Coach Michael Curry is taking this triumph in stride. “I learned a long time ago just be happy at every win, a win is a win,” said Curry. The Owls’ next game will be a trip to Harvard on Nov. 20.