Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
Nova Southeastern (Exhibition)
Williams Lifts the Owls Pass Nova
11/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2005
COCONUT CREEK, FL -- For the second straight exhibition game, guard Shontavia Williams scored 20-plus points, but this time it was in a 64-60 victory for Florida Atlantic University. Williams poured in 22 points to go along with eight rebounds as the Owls held off a second-half surge from Nova Southeastern.
The Owls' full-court pressure flustered the Sharks all game causing NSU to commit 30 turnovers, 19 in the first half.
"I thought our pressure was good in the first half and in the second half we were able to turn it up when we had to," head coach Chancellor Dugan said. Florida Atlantic scored 25 points off of turnovers on the night.
FAU held an 11-10 advantage at the 10:46 mark in the first half before they ripped off a 14-4 run over the next 5:29. Florida Atlantic led at the half 38-29.
Nova Southeastern fought hard in the second half to cut into the Owls lead. The Sharks went on 14-5 run of their own to tie the game at 43. Amber Bishko led the Sharks' attack scoring eight of her 14 points in the second session. Jennifer Havens also added eight points in the half to finish with 13.
The Sharks took a 58-56 lead when Havens cashed in on two free throws with 1:51 left in the game. The Owls took the lead right back when Cristal Randolph buried a three-ball in the right corner, which she followed with lay-up on the ensuing next possession to collect five of her 11 points on the night.
Williams deposited 3-of-4 free throws in the final 22 seconds to complete the FAU victory.
"Offensively we looked a lot better tonight compared to the first exhibition game. We still have a lot of work to do to get better for the regular season, but it was a good start," Dugan added.
Demina Anderson added seven points and seven boards of the bench for the Owls.
Florida Atlantic University will open its regular season on Nov. 18 against Navy at the FAU Tip-Off Classic, which will be held a Broward C.C. central campus located in Davie, FL. Tip-time is set for 7 p.m.
