BOCA RATON, Fla. - A game-high 18 points from
seniors Larrie Williams and Elizabeth Torres were not enough to thwart timely shooting
from Florida Atlantic as the ULM women's basketball team dropped a physical
65-58 Sun Belt Conference decision Wednesday night inside the FAU Arena.
Shenise Miller got FAU on the board after cleaning
up an offensive rebound for a quick 2-0 Owls lead. Senior Marion Zollicoffer responded with a
finish at the other end for ULM to tie the game at 2-2. Miller then drove to the rim the next Owl
possession to give the hosts a 4-2 advantage.
The Warhawks (4-12, 2-1) began chipping away at the FAU
lead, as a pair of field goals from Williams and a nice layup from Zollicoffer
cut the deficit to just four (18-14). A
fast break finish from Torres and a turnaround in the paint from Williams
capped a 12-0 run to tie the game at 18-all.
The Owls took a 32-24 lead into the break. Williams and Torres each paced ULM with eight
points, while Zollicoffer chipped in four points and four rebounds.
FAU (8-6, 3-0) connected quickly for nine second half
points to open a 10-point lead at 41-31.
Two layups inside by Williams brought ULM within eight (45-37), but
DaLita Scott responded for the Owls to stretch the lead to 47-37.
ULM would not go away, as a drive to the rack
by sophomore Ashleigh Simmons, a turnaround by Williams and a deep triple by
Torres slashed the FAU lead to three (55-51).
A Torres layup kept the Warhawks in range at 58-55.
FAU gained a seven-point cushion with four
late free throws to push the lead to 62-55.
A late 3-pointer from freshman Taylor Maricle provided ULM with its
final points of the night.
Takia Brooks equaled Torres and Williams with
18 points to lead FAU, while April Goins chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds
and four assists.
The Warhawks return to action Saturday at
FIU. The opening tip is set for 4:30 p.m.
