FAU Finds Intensity

Saturday, January 13

Boca Raton, Fla.

3:00 PM ET

Florida Atlantic

6-7 (3-3)

Troy State

4-10 (1-4)

Troy State

Florida Atlantic

1/13/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Jan. 13, 2001

Box Score

Boca Raton, FL - Florida Atlantic University's Lady Owls entered Saturday's game looking for their first Trans America Athletic Conference victory. Following a 91-62 victory over Troy State University, they had found the intensity head coach Chacellor Dugan has been looking for all season.

"The difference in today's contest was the intensity," said Dugan. "I think Troy State was a little surprised. No matter what game they used to scout us they would not have seen this type of intensity. I don't think they took us too lightly, because in this league you can never overlook anybody."

FAU opened the game with a 20-5 run and never looked back, holding a 48-27 halftime advantage behind the efforts of two seniors. Tamala Vaughn scored all 13 of her points in the first half while LaTorria Matthews added the first 11 of her game high 19 in the first 20 minutes as well. Ruta Griniute, who is seventh nationally in blocks with 2.7 per game, rejected three TSU shots and finished with 17 points. Chantale Jones rounded out the double-figure scorers with 16. Jones also had a game-high seven assists. Matthews led the team in rebounds with nine.

The high scoring may be attributed to the fact the team, which improved to 4-10 overall and 1-4 in TAAC play, wore their game jerseys in practice on Friday.

"We have shot well in practice and run things correctly. As a coaching staff, we decided we needed to have a good day in the uniforms instead of just practice clothes," added Dugan. "But, I really think LoTo (LaTorria Mathews) did an excellent job looking for her shot. We had to play well for ourselves. We have worked hard enough. We owed it to ourselves."

Troy State, which fell to 6-8, (3-3 TAAC), was led by Lauren Peckham who scored 14 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Jennifer McInnis and Latoya Gay added 11 each.