The Florida Atlantic University women’s basketball team secured a 79-77 overtime win against Wichita State on Tuesday at Charles Koch Arena. Erin Rodgers led the Owls with key plays in the final moments, helping her team achieve its second consecutive American Conference victory.
With this result, FAU improved to 11-13 overall and 5-7 in conference play. Wichita State fell to 5-20 for the season and 2-10 in league competition.
The game started slowly, with both teams going scoreless for nearly two minutes before Grace Carstensen made a three-pointer for FAU. The first quarter ended with Wichita State leading 17-13 after a late run. In the second quarter, Michiyah Simmons and Vivian Onugha helped FAU regain the lead. Both teams struggled offensively before Madi Gewirtz’s jumper put the Owls ahead by three at halftime.
FAU maintained its lead through much of the third quarter, capitalizing on free throws to enter the fourth up 50-46. The Shockers rallied late in regulation, but Rodgers tied the game at 65 with just over a minute left. Jess Moors then forced overtime with a reverse layup.
In overtime, Wichita State scored first but FAU responded as Gewirtz and Rodgers combined for key baskets. With less than two seconds remaining and the game tied at 77, Rodgers hit another jumper to give FAU a two-point advantage. She then blocked Wichita State’s final shot attempt to secure the win.
Head coach LeAnn Freeland commented: “Our staff is very proud of how hard our team fought to secure this road win in overtime. They gutted it out and kept believing the whole game. Erin and Jess played extremely well to help secure the win. But, it was a complete team effort.”
Rodgers scored more than 20 points for her third consecutive game, marking the first time since the 2023-24 season an Owl has achieved that streak. The Owls continued their strong bench performance with 26 points from reserves and led in three-point shooting compared to Tulsa’s total.
Moors recorded nine rebounds, tying her season high, while Carstensen finished with three three-pointers and shared most minutes played alongside Moors at 39 each.
FAU will next host Tulsa on Saturday, February 14 for their Play4Kay game at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
For updates on Florida Atlantic women’s basketball, fans can follow @FAUWBB_Hoops on X (formerly Twitter), @FAUWBB on Instagram, or like their page on Facebook.
Florida Atlantic’s current season is sponsored by Flagler Credit Union.
