BOCA RATON, Fla. – Wichita State closed strong in the final 10 minutes, but Florida Atlantic built an early cushion and held on for an 88-64 decision Tuesday night at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.
 
The Shockers (3-15, 0-5 AAC) were led by Abby Cater, who poured in a team-high 17 points to go along with eight steals and five rebounds. Cater's eight takeaways ties for seventh all-time in program history for single-game steals, just three away from the record held by Alex Harden and April Banks. Jaida McDonald added 10 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Wichita State got 39 points off the bench on the night.
 
Florida Atlantic (8-9, 2-3 AAC) shot 51.6 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from three, jumping out to a 22-14 lead after the first quarter and extending the margin to 45-25 at halftime.
 
The Shockers scored 38 points in the paint and 14 fast-break points, but FAU's perimeter shooting proved difficult to overcome. The Owls knocked down 11 three pointers, including eight in the first half, to stretch the lead to as many as 25 midway through the second quarter.
 
Wichita State competed throughout the second half, matching FAU's 21 fourth quarter points. Cater fueled the late push, scoring nine of her points in the final period. Sophie Benharouga chipped in seven points off the bench in the third quarter, including one of Wichita State's three triples of the game.
 
FAU was led by Michiyah Simmons and Vivian Onugha, who combined for 33 points, as five Owls finished in double figures.
 
Wichita State continues its stay in the Sunshine State, facing South Florida on Saturday at 6 p.m. CT in Tampa.