BOCA RATON, Fla. - Bowling Green used balanced scoring to defeat Florida Atlantic in the first round of the Radisson Suites Roundball Classic at the FAU Gymnasium.
Francine Miller led the Falcons (2-2) with 11 points. Karen Stocz, Megan Jerome and Pam Brown each added 10.
With the victory, the Falcons advance to the championship game of a regular-season tournament for the first time in two years, and only the second time since the 1992-93 season.
Bowling Green has not won an in-season tourney since the 1988-89 campaign (the Illini Classic in Champaign).
The Falcons will face North Carolina-Wilmington at 7 tonight in the championship. NC-Wilmington defeated Pittsburgh 79-59.
Brown grabbed eight rebounds and Britt Anderson had seven although Florida Atlantic had a 47-46 edge on the boards with Trineca McCleod leading with 11.
Jennifer Olson led the Owls (0-5) with 12 points.
The Falcons shot 45 percent (28 of 62) from the floor to the Owls' 30 percent (21 of 70).
At the free-throw line, BG made 15 of 23. Florida Atlantic sank 16 of 21.
After this tournament, BG plays on the road for four more games at IP-Fort Wayne, Cleveland State and against Cincinnati in the Bearcat Invitational.
The Falcons return home Dec. 30 to play IP-Indianapolis.