SPORTS – Defense was the name of the game as the FAU women’s basketball team forced 23 turnovers and made clutch free throws down the stretch to secure a 75-71 win over Eastern Michigan at the Burrow.

“I was just pleased. It was a little bit closer than what I wanted but a win is a win,” said FAU head coach Chancellor Dugan. “I thought we would make free throws to close it out … which we did.”

Jaimie Givens led the way with 19 points and Carla Stubbs had 18 points in the Owls victory. Brittany Bowe had 13 points and Breana Cox had 10 points off the bench.

FAU was 14-of-23 from the free-throw line in the second half. Bianca Sellers and Brittany Bowe were 8-of-12 from the line combined.

Stubbs had a strong second half, scoring 15 points, and she had eight rebounds along with two steals.

“Carla was huge for us,” said head coach Dugan. “She was getting rebounds and playing good defense.”

Shuteamia Brayboy had three steals and seven assists, but it was her free-throw shooting down the stretch which led the way to victory for FAU.

“I thought Brayboy had a good game,” added Dugan. “We just got to get her to make more free throws.”

Canea Williams had 26 points on 10-of-18, shooting from the floor to lead Eastern Michigan. Colleen Russell had 15 points and Amber Land added 10. Alyssa Pittman, who came into this game averaging 19.9 points per game, was held to just six points. “They’re a very good team and very well coached,” said Dugan. “They got kids that really do a nice job there.”

Dugan praised the team effort which improved the Owls to a 3-5 record this season. “I was just pleased with my young kids to be able to compete and actually come out with a win,” she said.

FAU will now take 12 days off for final exams and will next face Arkansas State in Sun Belt conference play on Dec. 18 in Jonesboro, Arkansas.