Jan. 12, 2002

Final Stats

Florida Atlantic University women's basketball team (6-8, 4-2 A-Sun) held off a barrage of first half three-point attempts to defeat Atlantic Sun Conference opponent Troy State University (3-8, 2-2 A-Sun) 83-70, Saturday afternoon.

"We had a lot of emotion at yesterday's practice and a lot of intensity," said Chancellor Dugan, FAU's head coach. "I'm just really pleased with the way we played and the way we took care of the ball."

The two teams were tied seven times in the first half before the Lady Owls took control, 28-26, with 6:55 remaining in the half. The two teams entered the intermission with FAU holding a 42-39 advantage.

FAU returned to the court to deny the three-point shot and to hold Troy to 34% from the field. FAU also took advantage of second chance opportunities.

"Our players did a nice job getting Tamica Pierce the ball and she did a nice job finishing," added Dugan.

The Lady Owls were led by Tamica Pierce, who scored 22 points and had 12 rebounds, both game highs. Kristy Halvorsen and LaKeita Lee added 17 and 15 points, respectively.

"We had a team meeting, yesterday," said Pierce. "We came together both on and off the court. Fans might look at this game as a turning point, but the turning point came from Friday's practice."

Troy was led by Chaquita Alexander who scored 18. Thea Herring had 11 rebounds.

FAU will next play host to Mercer University, 7 pm, Monday.