Dec. 1, 2001

Final Stats

BOCA RATON, FL - Crystal Boyland scored 22 points to lead Florida Atlantic University past Samford University, 87-75, Saturday in Boca Raton, FL. FAU improved to 1-3 overall and 1-0 in Atlantic Sun Conference play while Samford fell to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the A-Sun. Five Lady Owls finished in double figures.

The Lady Owls used a 7-0 run at the end of the first half to take a 41-34 lead at the half and continued to dominate at the beginning of the second half with a 14-4 run to open up a 55-38 lead with 16:10 to play.Samford then responded with a 15-2 run to pull to within four points with 11:40 to play. That's as close as the Bulldogs would get as FAU held off several pushes to take the 12-point victory.

Boyland scored 14 of her 22 points in the first half as FAU forced 18 first half turnovers. The junior college transfer is averaging 20 points over her past two games.

"That's the Crystal Boyland we recruited, and that's the Crystal Boyland you're going to see," said FAU head coach Chancellor Dugan. " I think you can expect some big things from her this season."

Janka Deckerova finished with 17 points including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Tamica Pierce had 15, Julie Goad 11, and Kristy Halvorsen 10.

FAU's pressure defense forced a total of 37 Samford turnovers as the Lady Owls were outrebounded 43-34. FAU finished 49 percent from the field compared to Samford's 48 percent.

Goad and Jones each had season highs in assists with nine and seven, respectively. Halvorsen had four of FAU's 20 steals on the day.

Samford was led by Giovanni Price, who had a game-high 24 points. Clarissa Clark added 11.

FAU next hosts Jacksonville State Monday night at 7:00pm.