FGCU/CANISIUS RECAP

Buffalo, NY- FGCU (10-4) fell in overtime, 97-90, to Canisius College (4-9), Wednesday night from the Koessler Athletic Center

Stats:

FGCU shot 47.3% (35/74) from the field, 29.4% (10/34) from beyond the arc, and tied the Griffins with 38 team rebounds each. The Eagles dished out 17 assists, had 8 steals, and 6 blocks in the game. FGCU forced 15 Canisius team turnovers while having 20 team turnovers of their own.

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Tavian Dunn-Martin 30 pts, 7 asts

Kevin Samuel 20 pts, 12 reb

Matt Halvorsen 10 pts

Outstanding Players (CC):

Scott Hitchon 28 pts, 11 reb

Jordan Henderson 19 pts, 7 asts

Xzavier Long 16 pts, 4 reb

Overview:

FGCU looked lost and confused in this game in the first half, and were being run out of the gym by Canisius. The Griffins largest lead in this game was 21 points in the 2nd half of the game. FGCU fought back, and even took the lead late in the 2nd half of the game. Matt Halvorsen had a chance to ice the game with 10 seconds left by making the 2nd free throw which would have given the Eagles a 82-78 lead, but he missed the free throw, and Akrum Ahmed hit a 3 point field goal with 4 seconds left in the game to force overtime. Canisius dominated overtime, outscoring the Eagles 16-9, courtesy of the free throw line, and FGCU dropped a game they had to win.

Tavian Dunn-Martin scored a game high 30 pts, and Kevin Samuel dominated the Griffins frontcourt finishing with 20 pts, 12 reb. FGCU had no answer for Scott Hitchon, who finished with 28 pts, 11 reb. Scott came into this game averaging around 5 ppg, but you wouldn’t know that seeing him shoot 6/8 from beyond the arc. All five Canisius starters finished in double figures in scoring in the game. It’s a really disappointing loss for the Eagles, and Coach Fly can’t expect FGCU to score 50+ points in the 2nd half of each game to stay competitive. ASUN Conference play is next for FGCU, and the Eagles have to figure out how to play balanced two half basketball, or this 10 win start to the season is pretty much worthless.

What’s Next:

FGCU (10-4) begins ASUN Conference play on 1/4 at 7 PM vs UNF (4-9) from Alico Arena.