Fort Myers, FL- FGCU (10-20, 7-8) won their 2nd game in a row and 8th straight game over Jacksonville University (13-17, 6-9) Thursday night 73-67. The Eagles kept pace with UNA (12-16, 7-8) who beat NJIT 72-65 setting up for a huge game Saturday afternoon to determine which team will finish as a 5th seed facing Lipscomb on the road or 6th seed facing Stetson on the road.
Overview:
FGCU picked up a huge win and had won 7 ASUN conference games this season after only winning 3 non conference games (2 non D1 wins) and finally is in double digit wins (10) after beating the Dolphins Thursday night. This was a game where FGCU limited Destin Barnes (7 pts) who torched them last game. Mo Arnold had a double double (18 pts, 10 rebounds) and David Bell (10 pts). Defensively, FGCU had 11 steals and 6 blocks in the game which is sound defense and a reason in these close ASUN games the Eagles got it done. It’s encouraging to see the 2nd half FGCU had vs JU.
Caleb Catto (15 pts) led the Eagles along with Jalen Warren (13 pts) and Sam Gagliardi (12 pts) who also finished in double figures in scoring. Sam got it done from beyond the arc in his 6th man role once again. Zach Scott only scored 5 pts in 18 minutes with Coach Fly starting Freshman Cyrus Largie who played 26 minutes in the game scoring 9 pts. The Largie vs Scott situation once again is extremely odd for a team that only has 10 wins but we will see what that means for next season and what this roster looks like with Coach Fly in the final year of his three year contract.
Stats:
FGCU shot 42.6% (26/61) from the field and 30% (9/30) from beyond the arc and lost the rebounding battle 39-35 to the Dolphins. The Eagles dished out 15 assists and on the defensive end of the ball forced 11 steals and 6 blocks. JU had 16 team turnovers while FGCU had 11 team turnovers in the game.
Outstanding Players (JU):
Mo Arnold 18 pts, 10 rebounds
David Bell 10 pts
Diante Wood 10 pts
Outstanding Players (FGCU):
Caleb Catto 15 pts, 4 rebounds
Jalen Warren 13 pts, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Sam Gagliardi 12 pts
What’s Next/ASUN Tournament scenarios
FGCU (7-8 ASUN) faces UNA (7-8 ASUN) to determine what team will finish at .500 and face Lipscomb or Stetson on the road Tuesday night. Even if FGCU and Lipscomb finish at 8-8 (with Liberty beating Lipscomb), since the Eagles split the season series with the Bisons, next tiebreaker is NET rankings which Lipscomb (276) wins the tiebreaker vs FGCU (316). This season is coming down to the last ASUN conference game of the season and we hope you join us at Alico Arena at 1 PM on Saturday.
Eagles Nest Cast 