Feb. 25, 2004

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University will try to clinch a berth in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Thursday night when it hosts Campbell University. The game tips at 7:00pm at FAU Gymnasium. The Owls are seeking the final spot available in next week's eight-team field. FAU (8-17, 5-13, A-Sun) leads Campbell (3-22, 3-15 A-Sun) by two games with two to play and needs just one victory or one Campbell loss to continue its season past Saturday.

The game also could feature a new all-time scoring leader for the Owls as senior Earnest Crumbley enters the game needing 16 points to take over the top spot. Crumbley currently has 1,486 points and trails Craig Buchanan with 1,501.

FAU's last outing was an 85-79 loss at Mercer on February 21. The Bears used a 10-0 run late in the game to pull away from the Owls, who led by as many as eight points in the first half. Crumbley led four Owls in double-figures with 15 points. Pierre Tucker had 14 while Kahleaf Watson posted 13. Mike Bell had his 10th double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Bell is averaging 18.6 points while Crumbley is adding 12.8.

Campbell's wins have all come at home against Jacksonville, Lipscomb, and Mercer. The Camels, who started the season 0-13, are 0-13 on the road and have lost 30 straight road games. Tarick Johnson leads the team with 12.3 points per game. Anthony Atkinson is averaging 10.8.

This is the 18th meeting between the two teams. Campbell leads the series 10-7. FAU won the last meeting, 99-86, December 17 in Buies Creek, NC. FAU has won the last two games and four of the past five against the Camels. The Owls are 4-4 at FAU Gymnasium.

Tickets are available at the door. Prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children.