Foul trouble slowed down  the Florida Atlantic University (1-3, 0-2 in Conference USA) Owls in the first half against the Georgia University (3-1, 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference) Bulldogs.

Senior center Justin Raffington and freshman center C.J. Turman picked up two fouls in the first half. The Owls committed 23 fouls as a team and the free throw attempt disparity was 24-10 in favor of the Bulldogs.

Foul trouble in both halves kept the big men from finding their rhythm in the game. FAU coach Michael Curry shifted his bench rotation, playing reserve junior forward Javier Lacunza minutes in the first half. Both Turman and senior forward Kelvin Penn fouled out for the game.

Without their size on the court, the Owls were out-rebounded by the Bulldogs 45-32 which led to second chance opportunities for the Bulldogs.

Sophomore guard Marquan Botley had a strong showing in the first half with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists. He ended up with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists in the game.

The Owls’ bench did them no favors, being outscored by the Bulldogs’ bench 20-2. FAU faced an uphill battle for a majority of the game, playing from behind for most of it.

Senior forward Marcus Thornton imposed his will for the Georgia Bulldogs with 17 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks. The Owls had no answer for him on the boards and in the paint.

The Owls will see if they can bounce back against the Ave Maria Gyrene on Nov. 30 at home.