Turnovers Key in Trojans Loss at FAU

Wednesday, January 16

Boca Raton, Fla.

6:00 p.m.

Troy University

Florida Atlantic

Photo by: Cass Davis

1/16/2013 8:49:00 PM | Basketball (W)

By: Matt Mays

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Troy chipped away at a second-half deficit, but could never pull even in a 74-63 loss at Florida Atlantic on Wednesday. The loss is the second of the season to Florida Atlantic for the Trojans.

Troy (3-13, 0-7) committed a season-high 31 turnovers that the Trojans couldn't overcome, despite a career-high 18 points from Jasmine Pitts. Pitts scored 15 in second half as she sparked Troy.

The Trojans trailed by 11 after an FAU three to open the half, before Pitts and Joanna Harden fueled a six-point spurt to cut the lead to five. Harden finished with 15 points in front of her family from nearby Pompano Beach, Fla.

Troy got within five points two more times, including as late as 8:25 to go, 60-55, but the Owls pulled away by as many as 12 down the stretch.

Florida Atlantic (9-7, 6-2) got 25 points from Latavia Dempsey, with 18 coming in the first half as the Owls built a 40-32 halftime lead. Chenise Miller (17) and Kimberly Smith (16) were each in double figures for the Owls.

Troy forced 21 Florida Atlantic turnovers, but the 31 by Troy was too much to overcome. Troy also lost the free throw battle, hitting just 47.4 percent (9-of-19) while FAU hit 80.8 percent (21-of-26).

Troy shot an outstanding 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the field, but the 54 shots were low for the Trojans who averaged 68 shots a game coming in. Troy was just 2-of-7 from deep.

Troy held Florida Atlantic to 35.4 percent (23-of-65) from the floor, but FAU hit seven 3-pointers.

The Trojans return to the court on Saturday as they conclude their south Florida road swing at FIU. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. CST from the U.S. Century Bank Arena.

For more information on Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter at @TroyAthletics or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.