FIU/FGCU RECAP

Fort Myers, FL- FGCU (3-2) fell to FIU (5-1), 85-69, Wednesday night from Alico Arena.

Stats:

FGCU shot 41.5% (27/65) from the field, 25% (6/24) from beyond the arc, and outrebounded FIU 42-35. The Eagles dished out 12 assists, had 8 steals, and 1 block in the game. FGCU forced 13 Golden Panthers turnovers and had 20 team turnovers of their own.

Overview:

The hangover effect was real for FGCU just like we called for in our podcast Tuesday night. FGCU beat a Miami team without many of their players and completely looked flat Wednesday night at home vs FIU. The Eagles scored right around their average in the 60s points wise and that just isn’t going to get it done when it comes to most D1 non-conference games and most definitely won’t vs Lipscomb, Liberty, etc in ASUN conference play.

FIU had balanced scoring and came into the game averaging 82 ppg. Multiple scorers in double digits is the MO for FIU, and they did just that against the Eagles. The Eagles just weren’t up for the challenge Wednesday night and this was a game the Eagles needed to win.

Antonio Daye Jr had his way with the Eagles, whether it was driving to the basket or dishing the ball to a teammate and finished with a game high 23 pts. The Golden Panthers were so much faster than FGCU in the first half when it came to ball movement and running their offense. FIU shot 41.9% from beyond the arc hitting 13 3 pointers and that was the dagger for the Eagles.

Caleb Catto (22 pts) led the Eagles in scoring and had a really nice game. Cyrus Largie (12 pts), continues to impress us, and is having a great Sophomore season. Eli Abaev continues to be a rebound machine and finished with 14 rebounds in the game to go along with 4 pts. Dakota Rivers finished with 10 pts in 26 minutes and continues to hit 3’s which is huge for FGCU. You have to throw this game out, beat Webber and then get ready next week for another test at home vs Georgia Southern. Coach Fly needs to have these players up for the game Friday night though because anything is possible in college basketball.

Outstanding Players (FIU):

Antonio Daye Jr 23 pts, 6 asts

Radshad Davis 16 pts, 8 reb

Eric Lovett 14 pts

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Caleb Catto 22 pts

Cyrus Largie 12 pts, 9 reb

Dakota Rivers 10 pts, 4 reb

What’s Next:

FGCU remains at home to face Webber International University Friday night at 7 PM.