The Florida Atlantic women’s basketball team concluded its regular season with an 84-56 loss to Temple University on Saturday at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
With this result, Florida Atlantic finishes the regular season with a record of 13 wins and 17 losses overall, including a 7-11 mark in American Athletic Conference games. Temple ends its campaign at 14-16 overall and 8-10 in conference play.
Florida Atlantic started strong, leading by three points after four minutes with early baskets from Erin Rodgers and a three-pointer from Haley Walker. However, Temple responded with a decisive 17-2 run to close out the first quarter, giving them a 21-9 lead.
Walker hit her second three-pointer early in the second quarter to narrow the gap to nine points. The Owls then cut the deficit further after a layup by Destyne Jackson and another three-pointer from Michiyah Simmons. Despite this effort, Temple extended its advantage before halftime, leaving Florida Atlantic trailing 38-24 at the break.
Temple took control in the third quarter, outscoring Florida Atlantic 27-10 and building a substantial lead going into the final period. In the fourth quarter, Florida Atlantic managed to outscore Temple 22-19 but was unable to overcome the deficit.
“Temple played a great game on both ends, and we were flat for three quarters. We are focusing on getting our legs back under us before we open American Tournament play on Tuesday. We have to be fresh, focused, and physical moving forward to keep our season alive,” said head coach LeAnn Freeland.
Destyne Jackson led Florida Atlantic with 11 points. Erin Rodgers and Haley Walker each added 10 points. Jess Moors and Rodgers collected five rebounds apiece. Grace Carstensen, Simmons, and Madi Gewirtz each had three steals; Gewirtz and Moors both recorded two assists.
Despite losing the game, Florida Atlantic finished strong by winning the turnover battle (13 steals to Temple’s six) and outscoring their opponent in the final quarter.
Next up for Florida Atlantic is postseason play in the American Conference Tournament as they face No. 8-seed Charlotte on Tuesday, March 10 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
To follow updates on Florida Atlantic women’s basketball, fans can check @FAUWBB_Hoops on X or @FAUWBB on Instagram or like their Facebook page.
Florida Atlantic’s women’s basketball season is sponsored by Flagler Credit Union.
