FAU basketball has exceeded expectations early on but a two-game road stand against Marshall and Western Kentucky will be one of the biggest challenges they face all season.

The Owls, who have an 11-6 record on the year, have not backed down despite losing key contributors Jailyn Ingram (knee) and Jaylen Sebree (shoulder) to season-ending injuries. Anthony Adger picked up his play in their absence, continuing to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands.

“Anthony is such a competitive kid. His play rubs off of everyone on the team, making everyone better,” May said of Adger. “He does so many things besides make big shots that don’t show up on the box score, like diving on loose balls and setting screens.”

A tough two-game road trip lies ahead for FAU, as it takes on conference rival Marshall tonight and Western Kentucky on Saturday. How the team performs over this daunting stretch will send a message not only to themselves, but to the rest of the conference.

“The teams we’re gonna be facing can really shoot the ball well, plus the atmosphere during conference games is tough. It’ll be a test for the team,” May said. “It will be a good learning experience for our young guys to see if they can handle the pressure.”

Marshall guard Jon Elmore is one of the most talented players in Conference USA, the senior averaging 19 points and five assists per game. Stopping him will be May’s focus tonight.

“He does so much for them in their mid-range and three-point game. He’s a creative scorer and a solid passer which can cause trouble.” May said of Elmore.

Saturday presents another difficult matchup for the Owls, as they have to contain dominant Western Kentucky center Charles Bassey. The freshman has been a monster for the Hilltoppers, averaging 14.7 points and 8.9 boards a game.

At 6-foot-11, 245 pounds, Bassey is not your ordinary C-USA big man. His imposing presence in the paint changes how teams attack the Western Kentucky defense.

“Bassey is a physical specimen,” May said. “He does everything, but he really changes the pace of the game by focusing down low in the post.”

Picking up two impressive conference wins on the road would be huge for FAU basketball as a program. If it can accomplish that, the hashtag “#FAUisabasketballschool” that is growing in popularity among FAU students and fans will almost certainly be popping up on social media timelines more than ever before.   

After the road trip, the Owls come back to the Burrow to face rival FIU on Jan. 23 at 7 p.m.

Zachary Weinberger is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him @ZachWeinberger