The Florida Atlantic Owls women’s basketball team lost 75-55 to South Florida on Saturday at the Yuengling Center in Tampa. With this result, the Owls now have a 12-15 overall record and are 6-9 in American Athletic Conference play. South Florida improved to 17-11 for the season and holds a 10-5 record in league games.
South Florida took an early lead, scoring the first four points of the game. Jess Moors responded for FAU with two free throws, but South Florida extended its advantage, finishing the first quarter ahead 19-6. In the second quarter, Vivian Onugha completed a three-point play to narrow the gap, but South Florida maintained control and led by as many as 20 points before halftime. Michiyah Simmons scored consecutive baskets late in the half, sending FAU into halftime trailing 34-19.
After halftime, FAU began with a short run that included a three-pointer from Erin Rodgers and a jumper from Onugha. However, South Florida answered back and pushed its lead to 21 points during the third quarter. The Owls finished the third period with a small run but still trailed by 17 entering the fourth quarter.
In the final period, FAU again reduced its deficit to 14 points after baskets from Grace Carstensen and Onugha. Despite these efforts, South Florida closed out the game strongly with an 8-2 run.
Head coach LeAnn Freeland commented on her team’s performance: “We knew going into this game, USF would be fired up to avenge their loss at our place. Unfortunately, they were able to establish a solid lead going into the half. Even though we scored 36 in the second half, we didn’t have enough defensive stops to get back into the game. We have to be firing on all cylinders to be able to compete with USF, and tonight was not our night.”
Vivian Onugha led FAU in scoring with 12 points on five-of-eleven shooting and made two free throws. Jess Moors recorded six assists for FAU while Erin Rodgers and Ineivi Plata each collected five rebounds. The Owls had more steals than South Florida (8-6) and their bench outscored USF’s reserves by three points.
FAU will return home for their next game against Charlotte on Tuesday, February 24 at Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena; tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m., and coverage will be available on ESPN+.
Florida Atlantic’s women’s basketball program lists Flagler Credit Union as its season sponsor.
