MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — A surging Florida Atlantic team aims to hand Saint Mary’s its second consecutive home loss when the Owls visit the Gaels in a nonconference men’s basketball showdown Friday night at McKeon Pavilion. The matchup features two teams with strong early-season resumes. The Owls (8-3) have won three straight, including a 105-79 rout of Albany last Saturday, and are averaging 94 points per game during that win streak. Saint Mary’s (9-2), meanwhile, looks to rebound from a narrow 68-67 road loss to Boise State last Sunday, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Florida Atlantic’s offense runs through dynamic guard Devin Vanterpool, who enters in peak form. He scored 24 points in the win over Albany and has averaged 21.3 points over his last three contests. His ability to score from all levels will be a primary focus for the Gaels’ defense. Saint Mary’s will counter with its own backcourt leader in Joshua Dent. The veteran guard is coming off a 40-minute, 16-point, six-assist effort in the loss to Boise State and has been a model of consistency, directing the Gaels’ methodical offense. His matchup with Vanterpool will be pivotal. The game represents a final major nonconference test for both sides before holiday breaks and the start of league play. Florida Atlantic begins American Athletic Conference action in early January, while Saint Mary’s opens West Coast Conference play later this month. Historically, Saint Mary’s has been formidable at home, but the Gaels’ only previous loss at McKeon Pavilion this season was a 96-71 defeat to Vanderbilt on Nov. 28. The Owls, who are 2-2 in true road games, present a similar high-caliber challenge with their efficient scoring. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PST. The Gaels will host Northern Iowa on Monday, while the Owls are off until hosting UTSA on New Year’s Eve.