Jan. 25, 2003

Final Stats

ORLANDO, FL -- Tamica Pierce led all scorers with 22 points, but it wasn't enough as Florida Atlantic University was defeated by the University of Central Florida, 77-62, Saturday afternoon in Orlando, FL. UCF outscored FAU 44-29 in the second half as it handed FAU its first Atlantic Sun Conference loss of the year.

FAU (6-10, 4-1 A-Sun) jumped out to an early 17-7 lead but UCF (8-8, 4-1 A-Sun) battled back to tie the game heading into the intermission.

In the second half, FAU never led as the Golden Knights took advantage of 28 percent shooting by the Lady Owls. UCF led by 10 points or more most of the half as FAU would get no closer than nine points. Pierce scored 14 of her points in the second half and finished 11-for-11 from the line.

UCF led by as many as 17 points before settling for the 15-point win. Julie Goad was the only other FAU player in double figures as the junior finished with 10.

"I didn't think our focus was there today," said FAU head coach Chancellor Dugan. "It's a very disappointing loss."

FAU outrebounded UCF 48-47 and committed 22 turnovers compared to UCF's 21. UCF was led by Adrienne Billings, who posted 16 points off the bench. The Golden Knights finished 43.9 percent from the field.

Florida Atlantic next faces Samford January 30 in Birmingham, AL.