LIBERTY/FGCU RECAP

Fort Myers, FL- FGCU (11-7, 1-3 ASUN) dropped their 3rd ASUN Conference game in a row, losing 78-75, to Liberty University (12-6, 3-0 ASUN), Saturday night from Alico Arena.

Stats:

FGCU shot 45.2% (28/62) from the field, 34.6% (9/26) from beyond the arc, and were outrebounded 35-34 by the Flames. The Eagles dished out 14 assists, had 4 steals, and 4 blocks in the game. FGCU forced 12 Liberty team turnovers, while having 9 team turnovers of their own.

Outstanding Players (LU):

Darius McGhee 48 pts, 2 reb (Liberty scoring record)

Shiloh Robinson 16 pts, 6 reb

Brody Peebles 6 pts, 4 reb

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Caleb Catto 23 pts, 2 reb

Tavian Dunn-Martin 11 pts, 4 asts

Matt Halvorsen 10 pts, 3 reb

Overview:

It was a tale of two halves in this game, as FGCU took a 40-31 lead into the half, but were outplayed by Liberty University in the 2nd half allowing 47 Flames points. Darius McGhee went off for a career high, and Liberty scoring record 48 pts in the game (8/14 from beyond the arc), and could not be stopped by the Eagles. Caleb Catto provided a huge spark for the Eagles scoring 23 points (5/6 from beyond the arc) in the game, and it was disappointing the Eagles couldn’t earn the win, as he attempted to will them to victory.

As another disappointment loss occurred Saturday night, fans and media have to wonder when will this talented team get over the hump? It’s difficult seeing a team with this much talent continue to lose games the way they have, losing by 3 points to both JU and Liberty, and being blown out by 24 by KSU. Coach Fly received the extension this offseason, but with all the one year players being gone next year, this team looks like it could be rebuilding more next season than they have this season, with the talent at hand. The same team that beat Rhode Island and Mercer at home has dropped too many close games in ASUN Conference play four games into the conference season. Stetson always plays the Eagles tough, so let’s see if this team can earn their first conference road win Tuesday night in Deland.

What’s Next:

FGCU (11-7, 1-3 ASUN) heads on the road to face Stetson University (7-10, 1-3 ASUN), Tuesday night at 7 PM from the Edmunds Center.