The Florida Atlantic Owls (3-3, 0-0 in Conference USA) ran away with the game against East Carolina University in the second half, winning 72-63.

The Owls ran their offense well in the first half. Four players were tied with six points and they had 11 assists as a team. They also shot 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range.

“We got open shots, and I would take those open shots every night,” said coach Michael Curry.

They were no slouch on the defensive side either, forcing the Pirates (4-4, 0-0 in the American Athletic Conference) into eight turnovers and 38 percent shooting while not allowing them to hit a 3-point field goal in the first half.

Sophomore guard D’Andre Johnson led the way for the Owls with seven points in the first half. Both he and senior forward Kelvin Penn found themselves in foul trouble, but it did not derail the Owls’ momentum as they led 35-23 after the first period.

Freshman center C.J. Turman subbed in for Penn, had six points in his place and provided defense with one block. He had 14 points and two blocks for the game.

“I was already focused on it, it was a big game for me so all I had to do was show up,” said Turman about preparing for the game.

“I think this is one of the first games we’ve outscored a team in the paint, C.J.’s [Turman] playing is a big part of that,” said Curry about the play of his center.

Freshman guard Justin Massey hit five 3-pointers, one of which propelled the FAU lead to 19 in the second half. He scored 11 in the second half and 17 points total.

“The defender just stayed below the screens, and I just hit wide open shots,” said Massey.

The Owls offense continued their great shooting well into the second half and shot 50 percent for the game, while dishing out 16 assists in total.