After consecutive 6-22 seasons, the Owls have picked up right where they left off last spring.

Georgia Southern dominated FAU, leading by as many as 23 points and shooting 61 percent from the floor, in an 83-67 win.

“Our defensive pressure was terrible,” says coach Chancellor Dugan, whose team dropped to 0-2, including a season-opening loss to Baylor in Waco, Texas. “We’ve definitely got to figure out some things in the next few days.”

One player who had things figured out, at least offensively, was Breana Turner. The freshman from New Orleans led the Owls in scoring for the second straight game, with 17 points. Turner also had four rebounds and a blocked shot.

Along with Turner, newcomers Erica Caldwell and Jessica Knurick contributed significant minutes. Knurick had 10 points and led the team in rebounds with five. Caldwell chipped in four points and four rebounds.

However, the main theme of the night was the contrast in GSU’s ability to knock down long distance shots and the Owls’ futility in that area. The Eagles shot 55 percent on deep balls, making 11 three-point baskets. Not for lack of trying, the Owls made just seven threes and shot 30 percent.

“I definitely think they were hot, but about five or six of those shots nobody was on them,” Dugan says.

Georgia Southern, located in Statesboro, is a member of the Southern Conference and finished a competitive 13-5 in that league last season. Four starters scored in double figures for GSU, which was lead by Ashley Melson’s 23 points on seven-of-10 shooting. Melson made all three of her three-point shots.

“Basketball has to be played with emotion,” Dugan says. “The girls are highly aware of what their job is and that is to come each day with 100 percent effort.”

The Owls will again try for their first win of the season on Nov. 22 in Orlando against Central Florida.