Florida Atlantic hosted Austin Peay (3-4) as the squads looked to close out the Thanksgiving Classic with wins. FAU has had a decent season while the Governors have struggled throughout the year. In this match-up thought both squads struggled early. Austin Peay found a way and won the match thanks to a three-pointer during the closing seconds.
First Half
Both offenses struggled beginning the contest as it was only a 5-2 Owls lead with 4:12 remaining in the first quarter. FAU managed to earn a five-point lead at the end of the first, 9-4 Florida Atlantic.
The lids were taken off the buckets as the offenses picked up their scoring in the second half. Austin Peay cut the deficit to one two times in the quarter, but Florida Atlantic responded with a 10-0 run capped-off by a Mya Perry three-pointer, 22-12 Owls with 3:19 remaining. Austin Peay bounced back with a 9-0 run as the Governors brought the contest within one, 22-21 FAU. APSU tied the game at 26 before a Stefanie Ingram free throw gave the Owls a 27-26 advantage going into halftime.
Halftime Stats
The difference between the first and second quarters was light and day. Florida Atlantic shot 3-19 in the first quarter while shooting 5-11 in the second. Austin Peay had a better shooting percentage at roughly 35%, but a lower volume of shots was the difference for the Governors as they trailed by one at the end of the first.
Second Half
Austin Peay opened the third on fire as the Governors went on an 11-0 run taking a 37-27 lead with 4:47 remaining. Florida Atlantic worked the deficit down to five as the Owls trailed 39-34 with three minutes remaining. FAU scraped back, bringing the contest within two, but the Governors converted on two free throws as Austin Peay led 46-42 at the end of the third.
FAU brought the game within two to begin the quarter, but could not find an answer to even the contest. Florida Atlantic then found themselves down only one before Ta’Zieh Jenks evened the game at 52 thanks to a made free throw off of a converted and one with 4:29 remaining in the fourth. The Governors answered with a free throw and three pointer, taking a 56-52 lead with 3:12 remaining. FAU’s Perry found the bottom of the basket from beyond the arc as the Owls trailed 56-55 with 1:16 remaining. A Florida Atlantic steal led to an Erin Rodgers layup giving FAU a two-point lead at 58-56. The Governors hit a three taking the lead with only two seconds left. Jada Moore took the final shot, but missed everything as the Owls fell to the Governors 59-58.
Final Stats
Three Owls finished in double digits, but Mya Perry led FAU in scoring with her total of 14. Mari Myklebust, Mya Perry, and Kristi Godfrey (pictured above, Angelina LaBelle) each earned two assists as Florida Atlantic ended with eight while Erin Rodgers earned seven rebounds. As a team, the Owls earned 38 boards. It was a bad day from the field as the Owls shot 31.6% and went 2-11 from beyond the arc. The Governors managed a 37.5 FG% and shot 29.4% beyond the arc. If FAU were able to find another three, Florida Atlantic would have won.
Looking Ahead
After finishing the Thanksgiving Classic 1-1, FAU (6-2) travels to Texas as they will face off against the Horned Frogs of TCU (8-0). The Horned Frogs have two top-15 wins this season including an eight-point victory against #3 ranked Notre Dame. It will most likely be a struggle for FAU, but anything can happen. The contest is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.