Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Florida Atlantic
FIU
Golden Panthers Knock off Owls 72-67
2/10/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 10, 2007
BOCA RATON, FL - In front of a record setting crowd the Florida Atlantic women's basketball team fell in a hard fought battle, 72-67, to Florida International in Sun Belt play on Saturday.
Facing a 67-58 deficit at the 6:17 mark of the second half, FAU (4-22) (0- 14 SBC) was able to mount a rally and trailed by only three, 70-67, after a Shuteamia Brayboy lay-up with 1:38 left. After a Laquetta Ferguson turnover with under one minute to play, Cristal Randolph missed a three look from the right corner and FIU (15-9) (9-5 SBC) would nail two free throws to secure the five point victory.
Brittney Crenshaw had her second straight double-double, banking in 15 points with 10 rebounds on 6-of-12 shooting. Mistoria Brown led the Owls with 17 points and seven boards. Fifteen of her points came in the second frame.
Brayboy matched a career high with 14 assists to go along with eight points and four steals. Breana Cox also found her way into double-digits with 10 points on a 5-of-7 day from the field.
The Owls came out of the gates energized, as they started the contest on a 7-0 streak after a Randolph trifecta at the 18:36 mark. After building their lead to as many as eight points, FIU roared back and trailed only 18-17 with 10:06 left after a Monika Bosilj triple. FAU would once again regain momentum and held a nine point advantage after a Brown lay-in with just under six minutes in the stanza. Lasma Jekabsone would score eight of the Golden Panthers last 14 points, as they headed to the half with a head of a steam and a tied 33-33 score.
In the second, Florida Atlantic would build an early six point cushion, but Florida International used timely shooting to take their first lead, 51-50, on an Iva Ciglar three from the top of the key. The Owls would respond by taking one last lead, on a Mistoria Brown layup, but FIU went on a 15-4 run over the next three minutes to ultimately secure the win. The Golden Panther shot 51.9 percent from the field in the second.
FAU used a stingy trap to help create 21 turnovers that they turned into 16 points. Randolph hit three of Florida Atlantic's four three pointers.
Jekabsone finished the game leading all scorers with 24 points and 12 rebounds. She shot 9-of-15 from the field in 40 minutes of action. Laquetta Ferguson notched 17 points, which included three trifectas.
Florida Atlantic will head back on the road next week to take on Western Kentucky in Bowling Green, KY on Thursday. The opening tip is set for 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Notes: With 927 fans in the stands FAU broke its previous attendance record of 911 set on 11/18/00 against FIU.
