Jan. 7, 2004

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University will play its first home game since December 4 when it takes on Mercer University Thursday night at FAU Gymnasium. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm at FAU Gymnasium, and the game can be heard live on www.fausports.com.

Florida Atlantic enters the game 2-8 overall and 1-2 in the Atlantic Sun Conference. The Lady Owls are coming off a 76-72 loss at Stetson on Monday night. Trineca McCleod, who scored 18 in the Stetson game, leads the Lady Owls with 14.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Shontavia Williams is averaging 11.0 points.

Mercer comes in with a 4-6 overall record and a 2-1 mark in the A-Sun. The Bears have won two straight games, with victories against Gardner-Webb and Campbell last weekend at home. Junior forward Jessica Miller leads the team with 13.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

FAU trails the all-time series 15-11 but has won three of the past four meetings. The teams split their games last year with the home team winning each time. The last five games have been decided by six points or less. FAU is 6-5 against Mercer at FAU Gymnasium.

Fans who create their own FAU basketball sign or poster will be admitted for $1. The first 50 fans will receive a free soda. Tickets are available at the door. Prices are $6 for adults and $4 for seniors/children. For ticket information, call 1-(866)-FAU-OWLS.

The game is the first of two on the homestand as Florida Atlantic faces Georgia State on Saturday.