FAU completes Louisiana sweep and starts 2-0 in Sun Belt play
The Florida Atlantic women’s basketball team extended its winning streak to three games with a 75-60 victory over Louisiana on Saturday afternoon from Earl K. Long Gymnasium.

The Owls (6-5, 2-0) received a balanced scoring attack with five players in double-digits.  Jessica Knruick and Brittany Bowe paced the offense with 15 points each.  Knurick fell one point shy of her career-high and made 7-of-10 shot from the field while Bowe made a season high 11-of-13 shots from the free-throw line.  Teri Stamps also added 12 points while Carla Stubbs and Breana Turner each added 10 points.

The Ragin’ Cajuns (3-8, 0-1) struggled from the field making just 34.4 of their shots from the field and only 3-of-18 shots from behind the three-point line.  Mercedes Johnson led Louisiana with 13 points on 6-of-14 shooting.

Despite committing 13 first half turnovers, the Owls got off to an early lead that they would not relinquish for the entire game. FAU had its largest lead of eight points after Teri Stamps knocked down a three-pointer with 15:32 remaining.  Louisiana would battle back but would still enter the half time locker room with a 34-26 deficit.

The second half however is where FAU made its push.  With 11:29 remaining, the Owls entered the media timeout with a 46-37 advantage.  Over the next four minutes, FAU went on a blistering 13-2 run capped off by a Lyrell Barfield three-pointer to put the Owls ahead 59-39.  The Ragin’ Cajuns would try to claw back over the final eight minutes but were unable to overcome the big lead as FAU held on for its second consecutive conference road victory.  The Owls defeated New Orleans 48-30 on Wednesday night.

The Owls will receive a lengthy 11-day break for the Christmas holiday before their next game on Dec. 30 on the road against Georgia Southern.  The game will tip off at 5 p.m. from Statesboro, GA.