Jan. 17, 2008

Final Stats

The Florida Atlantic University women's basketball team got off to a slow start, as Western Kentucky shot 67 percent from the floor in the first half to take a lead they would not relinquish as the Hilltoppers defeated FAU 86-50.

The game was decided early, as the Lady Toppers got off to a 19-3 start early. They were led by guard Kenzie Rich, who at 21 points to lead all scorers. Western Kentucky shot 20 of 30 from the field and took a 50-22 lead into halftime.

The Owls got open looks in the second half, but the shots didn't fall. As for the game, FAU shot 28 percent from the field (17-60), and only hit three three-pointers in the game.

"We got off to a slow start and never recovered," said Head Coach Chancellor Dugan. "Our effort tonight in the first half wasn't anywhere close to what we teach our team in practice."

Four players scored double-digits for Western Kentucky (13-5, 6-0 Sun Belt), led by Rich's 21 point effort on three of four from beyond the arc. Dominique Duck and Hope Brown added 12 points. Crystal Kelly, the second leading scorer in the Sun Belt, was held to 11 points. The Lady Toppers held a decisive rebounding advantage, outboarding the Owls 53-26 and getting 19 offensive boards, led by Arnika Brown's 10 rebounds.

The Owls were led by Carla Stubbs, who scored 13 points. 10 of her points came in the second half on two of three shooting from behind the long line. Jaimie Givens also scored double-digits, with 10 points, eight of which came in the second half.

FAU falls to 4-11 on the season, 0-6 in the Sun Belt. The Owls host North Texas on Saturday at 5 p.m. at FAU Arena.