BOCA RATON, Fla. – Behind a career-high 23 points from Taylor Edwards, the Old Dominion (16-3, 6-1) women's basketball team defeated Florida Atlantic, 75-63 on Saturday afternoon. The victory also marked the Monarchs fifth-straight win.
"This is a credit to our kids for just playing hard and really defending," said head coach Nikki McCray after the win. "The bench is where we really separate ourselves. People have to come in and do their jobs. We haven't been shooting the ball particularly well from the three and we have to find our range and be productive. We need people hitting shots."
An offensive battle dictated the opening quarter, which featured six lead changes. ODU shot 47 percent in that first quarter, going nine-for-19, only recording one three-point field goal. ODU really separated itself in the second quarter, recording 28 points to the Owls (9-10, 3-5 C-USA) nine points. Victoria Morris led the Monarchs in the second quarter, notching eight points, going 100 percent from the field, highlighted by two from behind the arc. To close out the first half, Aziah Hudson drained a three pointer just before the buzzer. The Monarchs went into the locker room with a 51-32 lead.
Coming out from the break, ODU recorded its third double-figure quarter on the day. Edwards mirrored her first quarter with another eight points in the third period. Despite scoring 15 points, ODU suffered six turnovers, which led to four points scored for the Owls. To close out the game, ODU struggled, hitting only 26 percent of its shots attempted. Florida Atlantic outscored ODU, 14-9 in the fourth quarter. Edwards added three more points, which sent her past her previous career-high of 20 points. The Virginia native also stole the ball three times, tacked on four assists and six rebounds.
"Our defense and rebounding has been solid. Ajah Wayne has been playing with poise and a calmness about her, which is good. Amari bounced back and had double-digit scoring. Taylor has just been really solid."
In the Saturday win, sophomore Ajah Wayne recorded a double-double, adding 16 points and 11 rebounds. Amari Young was the third Monarch to put up a double-figure performance, going 50 percent from the field, notching 11 points. Overall, ODU scored 50 points in the paint and 19 from off the bench.
Up Next
The Monarchs return home to host Southern Miss on Jan. 30 and Louisiana Tech on Feb. 1.
ODU Notes –
- 28 points in the second quarter marked the most points scored in the second quarter for the Monarchs all season.
- Career-high 23 points for Taylor Edwards.
- Ajah Wayne recorded her fourth double-double this season.
- ODU recorded its fifth-straight win.
- ODU went 78 percent from the free throw line.