The Florida Atlantic University (10-9,  4-4 in Conference USA) struggled to find their shot in the first half as they lost to the Old Dominion University Monarchs, 72-44.

The Owls shot 11 percent in the first 12 minutes of the game, but their shooting percentage was boosted to 24 percent thanks to a late comeback attempt in the waning minutes of the first half.

The leading scorer for the Owls in the first period was junior guard Alison Gorrell with eight points.

Sophomore guard Shaneese Bailey, who leads the Owls in scoring on the year with 17 points per game, was pressured by the Monarchs (13-7, 6-3 in Conference USA) defense from the beginning of the game. She was 1-of-3 for two points and picked up two fouls in the first period.

ODU dominated the Owls in the first half leading by as many as 22 points, 34-12. They used their size to out-rebound the Owls 28-18.

Sophomore forward Jennie Simms led the way for the Monarchs with 11 points in the first period.

In the second half, the Owls were not able to find a consistent scoring rhythm as they were 2-of-8 from the 3-point line in the second period. For the game they shot 2-of-18 or 11 percent from 3-point range.

The Monarchs continued to use their size to get shots in the paint and to clean up their misses. The rebounding margin widened to 55 to 34 in favor of ODU. They also expanded their lead to 28.

Both sophomore forwards Destinee Young and Jennie Simms had double-doubles. Sims amassed 19 points and 10 rebounds,  while Young scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The loss breaks the Owls’ two-game winning streak, and is their third home loss of the season. Up next is an away game against the UTEP Miners on Feb. 5.