In an exciting weekend ahead for Florida Atlantic University’s women’s basketball team, the Owls are set to host Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) for their Education Day game on Friday at 11 a.m. Following that, they will welcome in-state rivals Florida International University (FIU) on Monday at 7 p.m. Both games will take place at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena and will be available to stream live on ESPN+.
The Owls enter this weekend with a strong record of 5-3 and carry momentum from a three-game winning streak. Their recent victories include a thrilling 76-71 triumph over Air Force, a narrow 66-65 win against Wright State during the Thanksgiving Classic, and a hard-fought 47-44 victory on the road against Western Kentucky.
Statistically, Florida Atlantic is excelling in multiple categories, ranking within the top five in the American conference. They stand third in bench points per game with an average of 26.8 and steals per game at 11.1. Additionally, they hold fourth place in scoring defense, allowing an average of 62.8 points per game, and are also noted for their three-point shooting, ranking fourth in percentage at .316 and fifth in three-point defense at .298.
Leading the offensive charge for the Owls is Vivian Onugha, averaging 10.3 points per game, closely followed by Destyne Jackson with 9.8 points per contest. Rebounding is a shared effort, with Onugha and Haley Walker both securing 6.5 boards per game. Jess Moors oversees the playmaking duties, leading the team in assists with an average of 2.9 per game while also contributing 2.5 steals, the highest on the squad.
FGCU visits with a record of 2-5 and currently finds themselves on a two-game losing streak after recent losses to Troy and Arkansas State. The Eagles look to Sinai Douglas, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 10.0 points per game. Douglas also excels in rebounding and assists, averaging 6.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Eagles’ defensive efforts benefit from the contributions of Cerina Rolle and Douglas, who lead the team in steals.
In the historical context, the matchup between Florida Atlantic and FGCU is tied at 1-1, although the Eagles hold the edge in games played in Boca Raton, boasting a 1-0 record in their previous encounter. This upcoming showdown marks the first meeting between the two teams since December 2016, when Florida Atlantic fell 65-50.
The Owls are also preparing for their matchup against FIU on Monday night. The Panthers bring a current record of 4-3 into the game and are riding high on a three-game winning streak. Lead scorer Rhema Collins is a standout for FIU, averaging 20.7 points per game, and also excels on the boards with 9.8 rebounds per game. The Panthers’ defensive strategies are anchored by Parris Atkins, who is averaging an impressive 4.8 steals per game.
Historically, FIU leads the series against Florida Atlantic with a record of 38-18, including a 10-17 advantage when playing in Boca Raton. The last encounter saw the Owls victorious with a 62-52 win on November 23, 2024.
Most recently, Florida Atlantic showcased resilience in their last outing against Western Kentucky, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 47-44 win. Zahira Arizmendi was a key contributor, scoring a career-high 14 points. Walker continued her strong play, leading the team with nine rebounds, while Moors directed the offense with six assists.
Following the non-conference contests this weekend, the Owls will proceed to their next challenge at FIU’s Christmas Tournament on December 19 and 20, where they will face UMass and a rematch against FIU.
Fans looking to keep track of Florida Atlantic women’s basketball can follow their progress on social media platforms such as X and Instagram, or via their Facebook page. The upcoming season is sponsored by Flagler Credit Union, showcasing the ongoing community support for the Owls.
