Florida Atlantic University rides Niccolo Moretti surge past Temple University at Legacy Arena at BJCC

Florida Atlantic University moved to 1-0 in the Conference Tournaments with a 63-59 result, and Temple University left 0-1 after the neutral-site game at Legacy Arena at BJCC. The Florida Atlantic Owls vs Temple Owls final score reflected the Owls’ 29-27 edge at halftime and their 34-32 second half.

First half

Florida Atlantic University opened by shooting 50 percent from the field, and that accuracy helped build an 11-point biggest lead. The Owls scored 36 points in the paint, and that interior output started early against a Temple defense that finished with 2 blocks. Temple countered with 13 steals and turned Florida Atlantic University into 17 turnovers, and those takeaways helped keep the margin tight at 29-27.

Second half

Florida Atlantic University pushed the pace for 12 fast-break points, and the Owls paired that with 6 made 3-pointers on 54 percent from deep. Niccolo Moretti’s 19 points anchored the attack, and his 78 percent field-goal shooting aligned with Florida Atlantic University’s 56 effective field goal percent. Temple leaned on 38 points in the paint and 17 points off turnovers, and the Temple Owls’ 32-point half narrowed the game into the closing possessions.

Late-game edges

Florida Atlantic University finished with 37 rebounds and 10 offensive rebounds, and that work on the glass helped limit Temple to 28 rebounds. Kanaan Carlyle added 12 points with 2 steals, and Florida Atlantic University’s 7 steals contributed to keeping Temple at 2-for-9 shooting on 3-pointers. Isaiah Elohim provided 10 points, and Florida Atlantic University’s 57 true-shooting percent separated the Florida Atlantic Owls full-time result from Temple’s 44 true-shooting percent in this Florida Atlantic Owls vs Temple Owls review.

Key numbers that shaped the margin

Temple’s pressure showed up in a 10-7 steals edge, and that swing explains what went wrong for Florida Atlantic Owls in the ball-security column despite the win. Florida Atlantic University compensated by holding a 50-38 field-goal percent advantage, while Temple finished at 41 percent on 2-point attempts. Temple also reached the line for 16 attempts at 69 percent, while Florida Atlantic University went 7-for-12 for 58 percent.

Florida Atlantic University will be back at Legacy Arena at BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama on 3/12/2026 at 9:30 PM EDT against North Texas Mean Green, with the broadcast listed on ESPNU. Keep it locked for the next game, and share this article with other Owls fans.