March 3, 2006

Final Stats

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Nashville, TN --- For the second time in the last three games Shontavia Williams recorded a double-double to lead Florida Atlantic University to an 80-61 victory over the Lady Bisons of Lipscomb on Thursday night at Allen Arena. Williams cashed in 19 points and raked in 11 rebounds to help give the Owls their first six game win streak since the 1992-93 season.

"We didn't play great in the first half, but we came back strong in the second half to make sure we took care of business here tonight," head coach Chancellor Dugan said. "Saturday will be for our first chance for a conference regular-season championship and I am looking forward to the challenge."

The first 20 minutes of action was played very closely, but the Owls eventually opened things up to hold a 41-37 lead at the break. The first half featured nine lead changes and nine ties.

Demina Anderson gave the Owls their largest lead of the stanza, 41-31, at the 1:58 mark as she converted two of her six points on the night. The Lady Bisons responded by going on a 6-0 run to end the frame.

FAU cashed in 16 points off of 17 Lipscomb turnovers in the first session, but the Lady Bisons made the Owls pay at free throw line by shooting a season best 82.4 % (14-17) to keep things close.

The Owls came out of the locker-rooms scorching hot in the second half, as Williams hit back-to-back threes and Amanda Bulin added another triple-hit to make the score 54-41 with 16:41 remaining.

Miriam McAlister got the Bisons within eight, 60-52, as she deposited a pair of charity tosses with 7:55 remaining in the game, but Lipscomb was unable to close the gap any further.

Bulin went 5-of-8 from the floor and added 12 points to post her seventh double-digit scoring effort over the last 11 games and Missy Glaser chipped in 11 points of her own for FAU. Shuteamia Brayboy displayed her superb passing ability by dishing out eight assist on the night.

The Bisons, who are now officially eliminated from the postseason tournament, were led by McAlister with 13 points and Katie Beth Pate added 11.

The stage is set for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. eastern as the Owls will battle the Belmont Bruins at the Curb Event Center to determine the Atlantic Sun Conference Championship and the top seed in the postseason tournament. Both teams have posted a 16-3 conference mark this season, which is the best A-Sun record for FAU in school history.

Fans can hear all the action on www.fausports.com by accessing the women's basketball schedule page and clicking on the "Listen" link.