Earnest Crumbley Scores 23

Thursday, January 18

Boca Raton, Fla.

7:00 PM ET

Florida Atlantic

Jacksonville

1/18/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

Jan. 18, 2001

Box Score

BOCA RATON -

Freshman Earnest Crumbley scored a game high 23 points in Florida Atlantic University's 71-62 victory over Trans America Athletic Conference in-state foe Jacksonville Thursday night.

The Owls improved to 5-13 on the season and 4-3 in TAAC play while JU fell to 10-6, 3- 4.

"This was a good win for us, especially with the nice support from the community," said Sidney Green, FAU's head coach. "I was impressed that we didn't give in when the game got close and even when they took the lead. Our confidence is up. We are playing together behind our floor general John Smart. He played very well both offensively and defensively."

FAU held a six point advantage at the half. The Dolphins evened the contest, for the third time at 54 with 4:30 remaining. Smart, who scored nine points and added six assists, sank two free throws for the Owls who never relinquished the lead.

"We got off to a sluggish start defensively," said Hugh Durham, JU's head coach. "But, overall our intensity was pretty good. We just didn't hit our shots. We matched up in almost every category, but free throws, which was intentional at game's end. You have to be able to shoot the ball."

Crumbley led all scorers. Fellow freshman Jeff Cowans scored 12 while transfer Daryl Dingle added 10. Dingle and Nick Neumann led the team in rebounds with six.

JU was led by Brandon Williams' 12 point effort. Both Kris Hunter and Shawn Platts scored 10. Hunter had a game high eight rebounds.

FAU will next play host to Stetson University, 3 pm, Saturday in a game to be televised by Sunshine.