Kimberly Smith hit a clutch three-point field goal in the games final minute and Takia Brooks iced the game late with four free-throws to give FAU their fir Sun Belt win of the season, 56-52 over Arkansas State on Saturday afternoon at the FAU Arena. It was a complete team effort, said head coach Chancellor Dugan. The team executed the game plan and we were able to piece together the win. The Owls (4-11, 1-3) were able to get off to a strong start on the defensive end, holding Arkansas State to just 29% shooting in the first half en route to a 25-21 lead at the break. In the second half, the Red Wolves (9-8, 2-2) began to shoot better from the floor and cut the lead to one point on several occasions. However the intensity for FAU never wavered and the Owls did not relinquish the lead for the entire second half. The offense for FAU was paced by Lyrell Barfield, who made 7-of-13 field goals and led all scorers with 18 points, two assists and three steals. The senior is second in the Sun Belt with 2.4 steals per game. Brooks made her first career start and scored seven points while adding six rebounds and a game-high four assists. Meanwhile Smith hit a big three-point field goal that increased FAUs lead to four points in the games final minute and scored seven points with seven rebounds and three assists. The Owls will continue Sun Belt play next week with a pair of tough road tests against Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. First up will be a trip to Murfreesboro, TN to take on the Blue Raiders on Wednesday night at 8 p.m.
