The Florida Atlantic University Owls (4-3, 0-0 in Conference USA) won a tough game against the University of Central Florida Knights 54-41. This is the third win in a row for the Owls.

Both teams started off slowly, at one point in the first period both teams were a combined 5-of-19. For the game, FAU shot 34.7 percent, and UCF 26 percent.

The Owls were down by one at the end of the first half 26-25. Sophomore guard Marquan Botley was the leading scorer with six points as he shot 2-of-7 in the first quarter.

Foul trouble in the first half forced FAU coach Michael Curry to delve into his bench early. Senior forward Kelvin Penn picked up two quick fouls and Curry had to play senior forward Brian Hornstein and junior forward Javier Lacunza earlier than expected.

The story of the Knight was the Owls’ defense. In the second half, the Owls’ stifling defense held the UCF Knights to an 0-for-16 performance in the first minutes of the second half.

The Knights (5-4, 0-0 in the American Athletic Conference) had a 23-minute drought between their last made field-goal to end the first half, and their first made field-goal in the second half.

UCF only scored 15 points in the second period, and the 41 total points they scored is the lowest in their team history.

Penn, senior forward Justin Raffington and junior guard Jackson Trapp all led the way on the defensive side with two blocks each. The Owls also did a good job of cleaning up on the boards. FAU out rebounded the Knights 42-37 for the game.

Up next for the Owls is a home game against Stetson on Dec. 16.