Drake Aim to Stay Undefeated, FAU Look to Secure Spot in Charleston Classic Title Game
Drake Bulldogs Look to Stay Unbeaten, Florida Atlantic Owls Eye Charleston Classic Title Game Spot
The Charleston Classic heats up as the Drake Bulldogs (4-0) and Florida Atlantic Owls (4-2) square off in the semifinal round on Friday morning. Both teams are coming off impressive first-round victories, setting the stage for a highly competitive matchup that could propel one of them into the tournament final. This game takes place at TD Arena in Charleston, SC, and with each team hungry for more, it promises to be an exciting battle between a Missouri Valley Conference contender and an American Athletic Conference power.
Drake Bulldogs: Defying Expectations, Looking for Another Upset
The Drake Bulldogs have made a strong statement in this year’s Charleston Classic, knocking off Miami 80-69 in their first-round game as 9.5-point underdogs. This victory marked Drake’s first win over an ACC opponent since 2017, and they’re now 4-0 to start the season. The Bulldogs controlled the game from the start, scoring the first seven points and maintaining a lead throughout. Despite shooting only 20.7% from beyond the arc, Drake dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 35-23 and showing off their depth and versatility.
Offensively, the Bulldogs average 75.5 points per game, though they rank only 245th in the nation in scoring offense. They have been much more effective defensively, ranking 3rd in the country by allowing just 55.5 points per game. Leading the way for Drake is senior guard Bennett Stirtz, who is putting up 19.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Stirtz was instrumental in the win over Miami, finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists. He’s been a steady hand for Drake, supported by double-digit scorers Daniel Abreu (17.8 ppg) and Mitch Mascari (11.8 ppg).
Drake has been impressive on the offensive glass, averaging 32 rebounds per game and shooting 48.3% from the field. However, their struggles at the free-throw line (69.5%) could be a concern moving forward, especially in a high-pressure game like this.
Florida Atlantic Owls: Soaring to New Heights, Looking to Secure Championship Spot
The Florida Atlantic Owls come into this semifinal with a 4-2 record, having defeated Oklahoma State 86-78 in their first-round matchup. Despite trailing for much of the second half, the Owls mounted a strong comeback, using an 11-1 run to take control late in the game. Florida Atlantic’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with standout performances from KyKy Tandy (21 points) and Kaleb Glenn (15.2 points per game on the season), as they outlasted the Cowboys.
Florida Atlantic’s offense is one of the best in the nation, averaging 94.3 points per game (7th in NCAA), and they boast an impressive 50.7% field-goal shooting percentage (42nd in NCAA). The Owls are lethal from deep, hitting 13 three-pointers per game at a 43.6% clip, ranking 2nd and 12th in the country, respectively. The Owls’ dynamic scoring attack is complemented by solid rebounding (40.0 rpg) and excellent ball movement, as they dish out 19 assists per contest.
However, their defense has been a weak point, as they allow 81.2 points per game, ranking 330th in the country. Florida Atlantic will need to improve their defense if they hope to slow down Drake’s high-efficiency offense. If they can’t contain the Bulldogs, it could be a long day for the Owls, despite their offensive firepower.
Conclusion
This will be an intriguing battle of offense versus defense. Drake has been incredibly efficient on both ends of the floor, but Florida Atlantic’s firepower could prove to be too much. While Drake’s defense is formidable, Florida Atlantic’s fast-paced style and scoring depth will likely prevail in a high-scoring affair.
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