Women's Basketball Defeats UCF

Saturday, February 24

Boca Raton, Fla.

3:00 PM ET

Florida Atlantic

(7-18, 4-12)

UCF

(8-17, 6-10)

Central Florida

Florida Atlantic

2/24/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Feb. 24, 2001

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL -

Janka Deckerova scored a career-high 24 points to lead Florida Atlantic University past visiting UCF 81-68 Saturday afternoon in Boca Raton, FL. Decekerova was one of four Lady Owls in double-figures in the Trans America Athletic Conference victory. UCF's Lanetra Cooks had 24 in the loss.

UCF opened with an early lead before a Deckerova three with 9:30 left in the first half gave the Lady Owls their first lead at 14-12. FAU (7-18, 4-12 TAAC) would go to the break with a 37-31 advantage.

UCF (8-17, 6-10 TAAC) came back to tie the score at 45 with 14:53 remaining before the Lady Owls would take the lead for good. A 9-0 run over the next 3:09 gave FAU a 54-45 lead. The Lady Owls would open up as much as a 14-point advantage with 5:03 to play. The Golden Knights would get as close as five point with 1:48 left before a jumper by Kristy Halvorsen gave FAU a 73-66 lead with 1:26 left. FAU's final eight points came from the free-throw line.

"Janka has been a big factor for us," said FAU head coach Chancellor Dugan. "Today she hit some big shots for us."

Not only was Deckerova's 24 points a career-high for the freshman, it also marked a season-high for FAU. Tamala Vaughn and Ruta Griniute each scored 12 before fouling out while Halvorsen had 11. Griniute added to her TAAC-leading block total with five in the game.

FAU outshot UCF 51-percent to 34-percent while being outrebounded 40-39. Chantale Jones led FAU as she tied a career-high with eight rebounds.

"Our defensive pressure was key to our success today," said FAU head coach Chancellor Dugan. "This is just another example of how successful we can be when we play the kind of basketball we're capable of."

FAU next hosts Jacksonville State Thursday at 7:00pm.