BOCA RATON, Fla. – In stunning fashion, No. 25 Warner University men's basketball team took down NCAA-I Florida Atlantic University 75-72 on Tuesday night in the FAU Arena.  The exhibition win is the second for the Royals' program against a NCAA-I program (Bethune-Cookman) under head coach Sean Hanrahan.  The Owls (0-2) out of Conference USA, have now lost twice to open the 2015-16 season including a season-opening loss to Michigan State University 82-55.

The Royals were on fire from the opening tip scoring the first seven points of the game as part of 9-2 run through the first three minutes of action.  Halfway through the first half the Owls had cut the Royals' lead to 15-11.  From there, however, the Royals got seven straight points from Warren Hall as part of an 11-1 run down to the 5:58 mark that stretched their lead to 26-12.

The Royals maintained their double-digit lead the rest of the half and went in at halftime leading the Owls 34-22 behind 56% shooting from the field.  The Owls, on the other hand, were held to a paltry 22.7% shooting average in the first half.

As the second half began, the Royals continued to pressure the Owls forcing three turnovers in the first three minutes.  Eddie Delegal gave the Royals their largest lead of the game at the 16:27 mark, 42-26.

The Owls' offense shot a much improved 48% from the field in the second half to chip away at the Royals' lead down the stretch.  With less than 10 minutes to go in the game, the Royals led 52-45.  Following the final media timeout of the game at the 3:44 mark, the Royals' lead narrowed to five, 63-58 as the game transitioned to a free throw battle. 

The Owls clawed their way all the way back and tied the game for the first time since the opening tip-off with 12 seconds left after a pair of free throws.  On the Royals' final possession, Hall scored a bucket in the paint and was fouled with two seconds left.  Hall completed the three point play making the free throw to put Warner back on top 75-72.  After a Florida Atlantic timeout, their desperation half-court game winning shot missed sealing the road victory for the Royals.

The Royals got 30+ minutes out of all five starters and at least 10 points from each as well.  Warren Hall, the Royals latest 1,000 point scorer, led all players with 24 points.  Eddie Delegal finished with 17 points and five rebounds.

Josh Ellis was 5-of-9 from the field and scored 11 points.  Jamie Anderson and Antonio Ansley both finished with 10 points and five rebounds in the win as well.

For the game the Royals shot lights out going 54.5% from the field, 44.4% from behind the arc and 73.3% from the free throw line.  The Royals dominated in the paint against the bigger Owls' squad holding a 38-24 edge.

"After the game I was extremely excited for our players, our program and our school for beating a Conference USA team on the road," said head coach Sean Hanrahan.  "We battled in the paint really well; it really made the difference scoring 14 more points in the lane against a much bigger opponent."

The Royals little time to rest as they return to the hardwood tomorrow night in Winter Park, Fla. against NCAA-II Rollins College.  Tip-off between the Royals and Tars is schedule for 6 p.m. in the Alfond Sports Center.

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