Jan. 15, 2003

BOCA RATON, FL - The Florida Atlantic University women's basketball team returns to action Thursday, January 16, when it hosts Troy State University in an Atlantic Sun Conference game. The contest begins at 7:00pm at FAU Gymnasium in Boca Raton.

FAU enters the game 4-9 and 2-0 in the A-Sun. The Lady Owls have won two straight and four of their last six and are coming off a 2-0 road trip last week that included wins against Stetson and Jacksonville. FAU is tied with Central Florida for first place in the A-Sun South.

In FAU's last outing, Tamica Pierce , a senior, had 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the team to a 58-55 victory over Jacksonville. Pierce leads the Lady Owls with 13.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. Senior Crystal Boyland is averaging 10.6 points per game.

Troy State brings in a 6-6 overall record and a 1-0 mark in the A-Sun South. The Lady Trojans have won six of their past nine games after starting the season 0-3. Chaquita Alexander leads the team with 15.6 points per game while Thea Herring is chipping in 12.0.

FAU leads the all-time series with Troy State 6-3. The Lady Owls have won five of the past six meetings, including both contests last season. FAU is 4-0 against TSU at FAU Gymnasium.

Tickets are available at the door. Prices are $6 for adults and $4 for those 18 years old and under.

The game can be heard live on www.fausports.com. There is no radio broadcast.