KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) – Alijah Martin scored 17 points, Vladislav Goldin had 14, and No. 19 Florida Atlantic beat Virginia Tech 84-50 to win the ESPN Events Invitational championship on Sunday.
Johnell Davis had 12 points for FAU (5-1). Martin (eight) and Davis (seven) combined for 15 rebounds.
Virginia Tech (5-2) got 11 points from both Hunter Cattoor and Sean Pedulla. Lynn Kidd had nine point and seven rebounds.
FAU broke the game open late in the first half and early during the second with a 19-0 run to up 44-24 with 16 1/2 minutes remaining.
Martin's 3 made it 69-39 with 7 1/2 minutes left. It was FAU's ninth trey in 19 tries, while Virginia Tech had missed all 13 of its 3-point shots up to that point.
FAU finished 9 for 22, while Virginia Tech ended up making 2 of 17.
FAU took a 32-24 lead at the half when Martin had a dunk and Goldin made a layup during a 7-0 run. The Owls had the first 12 points in the second, including 3's by Davis and Martin.
Kidd ended Virginia Tech's 8 1/2 minute scoring on a dunk with 16 minutes to play.
Gallery: (11-26-2023) MBB: Florida Atlantic Game
SPECIAL HOMECOMING
Cattoor is an Orlando native and playing in front of family and friends had extra meaning. His father, Rodney, was recently declared in remission after battling pancreatic cancer over the last year.
BIG PICTURE
FAU: The Owls mixed in long-range shooting and solid inside play from Goldin to rebound from last week's stunning 60-51 home loss to Bryant in their three wins at the invitational, including a 96-89 triumph over No. 12 Texas A&M.
Virginia Tech: Kidd, a 6 foot-10 senior looks he can be a strong inside presence for the Hokies.
UP NEXT:
FAU: Returns home to face Liberty on Thursday night.
Virginia Tech: Takes part in the ACC/SEC Challenge at Auburn on Wednesday night at 9:15 ET.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Alijah Martin, Florida Atlantic (MVP)
Vladislav Goldin, Florida Atlantic
Hunter Cattoor, Virginia Tech
Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State