WKU Delivers Heartbreaking Blow to FAU Women 79-77

Sunday, January 11

Boca Raton, FLA.

2:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

4-11, 1-4SBC

WKU

9-6, 3-2SBC

Western Kentucky

Florida Atlantic

1/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Jan. 11, 2009

Final Stats

Western Kentucky's Amy McNear made a high-arching 40 foot three-pointer as time expired to give the Lady Toppers a 79-77 win over Florida Atlantic University on Sunday at FAU Arena. The shot gave the Owls its third consecutive loss.

The shot for McNear was the finale of a back and forth second half where both teams shot over 60 percent from the field. After leading 39-33 at halftime, WKU would push the lead into double-digits, a jumper by Arnika Brown gave Western Kentucky a 50-39 lead four minutes in. FAU responded with a 16-4 run over the next six minutes. A lay-up by Brittany Bowe gave the Owls their first lead of the game at 55-54 with just under 11 minutes to go.

The Owls would extend the lead to 65-60 after Carla Stubbs completed a three-point play with seven minutes left. Then both teams went back and forth until the final minutes.

With the Owls ahead 75-74 with under a minute to go, McNear came away with the steal, drove to the basket, and got called for traveling to give the ball back to the Owls with 21 seconds left. WKU would then foul Jessica Knurick, who hit both foul shots to give FAU a three-point lead with 20 seconds left. On the next possession, Brown would grab Kenzie Rich's miss and lay it in to cut the Lady Topper lead to one, which forced WKU to foul Knurick again. She missed both free-throws, and after Brown grabbed the rebound, McNear shot the runner that fell through for the win.

"We did everything we could do." Said Head Coach Chancellor Dugan.

McNear led the way for WKU (9-6, 3-2 Sun Belt) with 21 points on nine-of-11 shooting from the field. Brown added a double-double, 18 points and 17 rebounds and Jessica Magley poured in a season-high 15. The Lady Toppers shot 56 percent (34-60) from the field but committed 16 turnovers, which kept FAU close.

Brittany Bowe led the way for the Owls (4-11, 1-3 SBC) with 21 points on eight-of-11 shooting. Carla Stubbs and Breana Turner each added 16 for FAU, who shot 52 percent (30-57) on the game.

The Owls play rival FIU next in the annual "Bury the Burrow in Red" game at FAU arena on Wednesday, January 14 at 7 p.m. For tickets, call 1-866-FAU-OWLS or log on to www.fausports.com.