Florida Atlantic University (7-7, 0-3 in Conference USA) could not earn their first conference win of the year against Middle Tennessee State University, losing 82-58.

The game started off evenly with sophomore guard Marquan Botley leading the way for the Owls with eight points and two assists.

The Owls were down early and tried to comeback, but the Blue Raiders ended the period on a run, finishing it with a 42-34 lead.

MTSU (9-7, 2-1 in Conference USA) utilized their size during both periods forcing senior forward Kelvin Penn to pick up two quick fouls early. Because of senior forward Justin Raffington’s foot injury, the Owls are undermanned inside.

During the second period, the Blue Raiders continued to play like the bigger and stronger team, out-rebounding the Owls 33-16.

As a team, FAU only had three offensive rebounds. They didn’t grab their first one until the six-minute mark in the second period.

The Blue Raiders aggressiveness also allowed them to get to the free-throw line. They shot 26 free-throws to the Owls 15 (some of which were when the game was already in favor of MTSU). They also made 92 percent of the free-throws, which kept FAU from making a comeback.

This was the Owls’ third consecutive Conference USA game and their third consecutive loss. This is their longest losing streak of the season.

The bright spot for the Owls was the consistency of freshman center C.J. Turman who has had back-to-back games of 10 points. Up next is a home game against the Marshall University Thundering Herd on Jan. 17.