Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
FIU
Golden Panthers Pounce Owls 76-59
12/21/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2006
Miami, FL - The first ever Sun Belt battle between Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University went in favor of the Golden Panthers on Thursday night, 76-59.
"The final score didn't reflect how close we played for most of the game," said Head Coach Chancellor Dugan. "We've held our own with three Sun Belt schools and are slowly getting over the hump."
The Owls jumped out to an early 12-11 lead on a Mistoria Brown lay-up with 13:36 to play in the first, but FIU responded with a 9-0 run that had them up 20-12. Both teams exchanged baskets from that point on, as FIU's lead fluctuated from 10 to five for the rest of the first frame. The Golden Panthers headed to the half up 38-29.
Cristal Randolph paced the Owls in the first-frame, hitting three-of-four triples and collecting two rebounds. Mistoria Brown had eight points and four rebounds in the opening half against her old school.
In the second half FIU continued its strong offensive play, taking a lead of 53-40 on a Lasma Jekabsone lay-up with 12:31 left. The Owls made one final push, cutting their deficit to seven points at 53-46, on two Mistoria Brown free-throws. Florida International scored nine of the next 11 points and cruised down the final stretch. They held their biggest lead of 17 as time expired.
Mistoria Brown led Florida Atlantic with her second double-double of the season. She scored 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Cristal Randolph also scored in double-figures, notching 11 points.
Lasma Jekabsone scored eighteen points with fifteen rebounds against the Owls. The senior shot seven-of-eight from the field.
FIU out rebounded FAU 47-35. The Owls created 28 turnovers and scored 19 points off of them. They also shot 50 percent from beyond-the-arc.
Florida Atlantic will be back in action on Friday December 29th when they take on Campbell in the first round of the FAU Invitational in Boca Raton, Florida. The tip time is set for 5 p.m. All games this year can be heard for free on fausports.com.
