In a thrilling contest on Alumni Day, the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls secured a narrow 64-63 victory against the South Florida Bulls, showcasing exceptional teamwork and individual performances. The game, held at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, marked a significant moment in the Owls’ season as they improved to a 9-11 overall record and 3-5 in American play.
Rookie standout, Moors, led the charge for FAU with a career-best performance, scoring 21 points while shooting 7-of-14 from the field, 4-of-7 from three-point range, and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. In addition to her scoring prowess, she recorded four rebounds, two steals, and two assists, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. Carstensen also contributed significantly with 18 points, demonstrating her shooting accuracy with 6-of-11 from the floor, including five three-pointers.
The matchup began as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Owls held a slight lead of 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, before the Bulls took control for the majority of the second period, leading 25-24 at halftime. However, FAU emerged from halftime ready to dominate, opening the third quarter with a 16-4 run, which included key consecutive three-pointers from Moors and Plata.
As the game progressed, the Bulls escalated their efforts, closing the gap to just two points with under four minutes remaining. Despite the pressure, the Owls retained their composure, with Carstensen hitting a crucial three-pointer to extend the lead once again. With 33 seconds left, the Bulls momentarily took the lead at 63-62, but Plata’s late-game heroics, resulting in two clutch free throws, sealed the thrilling victory for FAU.
Haley Walker excelled on the boards with a team-high 10 rebounds, while Plata showcased her playmaking skills by dishing out five assists. The Owls outperformed the Bulls particularly from beyond the arc, knocking down 11 three-pointers compared to South Florida’s three, and excelled in second-chance scoring, outscoring the Bulls 13-8.
The Owls will now shift their focus to an upcoming two-game road stretch, starting with a contest against Tulsa on January 27. With their spirits high after this hard-fought win, the team’s momentum could carry them forward in the remainder of the season. Fans and followers can stay updated by connecting with FAU women’s basketball on social media platforms.