The Florida Atlantic University women’s basketball team secured its third consecutive victory with a 61-55 win over Tulsa during the Play4Kay pink game at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena on Saturday. This marks the Owls’ first home win against Tulsa and their first overall victory over the Golden Hurricane since February 8, 2014.
With this result, FAU improves to a season record of 12-13 and stands at 6-7 in American Athletic Conference play. Tulsa now holds a 16-9 overall record and is 8-5 in conference games.
The game started slowly, with both teams struggling to score until Jess Moors put FAU on the board with a free throw after three minutes of play. After an early lead by Tulsa, the Owls responded with points from Erin Rodgers and Destyne Jackson but ended the first quarter trailing 11-8.
Tulsa extended its advantage to nine points early in the second quarter before FAU responded with a strong offensive run. Erin Rodgers contributed back-to-back baskets, followed by three consecutive three-pointers from Grace Carstensen, Destyne Jackson, and Madi Gewirtz. The Owls took control of the game with a 16-1 run and led at halftime, 26-22.
Vivian Onugha helped maintain momentum for FAU into the third quarter, increasing their lead to eight points. Despite efforts from Tulsa to close the gap—including a buzzer-beating three-pointer—the Owls held onto their lead going into the final period.
Tulsa narrowed FAU’s lead to one point late in the fourth quarter, but Moors scored crucial points in transition and made three free throws in the closing moments to secure the win for Florida Atlantic.
“This was our first win over Tulsa since Feb. 8, 2014 and our first-ever win at home,” said head coach LeAnn Freeland during the postgame press conference. “Our three-game winning streak marks our longest winning streak in league play since the 2020-21 season.”
Four players finished in double figures for FAU. Destyne Jackson led with a season-high 16 points—shooting six-of-ten from the field including three-for-three from beyond the arc—and also recorded five steals, three rebounds, and two assists. Moors added twelve points; Rodgers had eleven; Onugha contributed ten along with eight rebounds.
Ineivi Plata provided a team-best three assists while Rodgers and Moors each blocked two shots. The Owls outscored Tulsa significantly in transition (18-3) and fast-break situations (17-2), as well as receiving more bench production than their opponents (21-15).
Florida Atlantic will begin a two-game road trip next week starting at East Carolina on Tuesday, February 17th. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET at Minges Coliseum and coverage will be available on ESPN+.
Fans can follow updates about Florida Atlantic women’s basketball through social media platforms X (@FAUWBB_Hoops), Instagram (@FAUWBB), or Facebook by liking Florida Atlantic Women’s Basketball.
Florida Atlantic’s current basketball season is sponsored by Flagler Credit Union.
