Johnell Davis drops 35, No. 14 FAU downs No. 4 Arizona in double OT thriller

The Desert Holiday Classic did not disappoint with a high-scoring, game-of-the-year candidate in which No. 14 Florida Atlantic outlasted No. 4 Arizona, 96-95, in double overtime. Johnell Davis led the afternoon with a stunning 35 points and nine rebounds to help the Owls secure the program’s first-ever win over a top-10 opponent. 

???? SCOREBOARD: All DI men’s basketball scores

Here’s how it happened: 1:13 on the clock in the second half and Caleb Love cashed in from the line to put the Wildcats up by two over the Owls. A missed three from Johnell Davis turned into an opportunity as Jalen Gaffney missed an offensive rebound only for Vladislav Goldin to put the ball back in for the Owls to tie 73 a piece.

As overtime kicked in, it became a true back-and-forth battle for both teams. The Wildcats were down by two late in the first OT, but two free throws from Caleb Love led Arizona to tie the game at 84 a piece to move into double OT. 1:27 on the clock and a free throw from Caleb Love tied the game at 95 only for Owls’ Giancarlo Rosado to come in clutch with a free throw of his own to help seal the 96-95 win.

UNDEFEATED TRACKER: Tracking the remaining undefeated teams

Despite the loss, Arizona’s Caleb Love finished the night with 26 points and five rebounds. Saturday’s strong effort marked the fourth game this season in which Love totaled 20 or more points. 

Up next: The Owls hit the road again to face Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday, Dec. 30, while the Wildcats battle Cal on Friday, Dec. 29.