FGCU/STETSON RECAP

Deland, FL- FGCU (12-7, 2-3 ASUN) snapped a 3 game losing streak, defeating Stetson University (7-11, 1-4 ASUN) 93-91, in overtime Tuesday night from the Edmunds Center.

Stats:

FGCU shot 47.0% (31/66) from the field, 44.1% (15/34) from beyond the arc, and were outrebounded 43-32 by the Hatters. The Eagles dished out 20 assists, had 9 steals, and 3 blocks in the game. FGCU forced 17 Hatters team turnovers while having 13 team turnovers of their own.

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Tavian Dunn-Martin 30 pts, 7 asts

Matt Halvorsen 13 pts, 3 reb

Zach Anderson 9 pts, 5 reb

Outstanding Players (SU):

Alvin Tumblin 22 pts, 9 reb

Josh Smith 18 pts, 7 reb

Stephan Swanson 16 pts, 4 asts

Overview:

The Eagles played another horrendous 2nd half Tuesday night, blowing a 15 point halftime lead to a Stetson team that was without leading scorer Rob Perry (15.9 ppg), and Mahamadou Diawara (6.2 ppg). All five of Stetson’s starters finished in double figures in scoring in the game. FGCU was led by Tavian Dunn-Martin (30 pts), who paced the Eagles and carried them to victory.

It’s still getting difficult to not see this team game plan to contain players that are giving them problems. Josh Smith was having his way at times with Kevin Samuel outside of the key as Smith just missed a double double (18 pts, 7 reb). Christiaan Jones (14 pts, 14 reb) had a huge 2nd half offensively, scoring the first six points as part of an 8-0 run to begin the 2nd half, as the Hatters climbed back into this game. The Hatters had their largest lead of the game with 41 seconds left, 82-78, but Kevin Samuel had 4 points to force overtime for the Eagles. Congrats to Kevin, who also set an FGCU single season blocked shots record (52) Tuesday night.

In the overtime period, the Eagles free throw shooting won them the game, as FGCU shot 9/10 (90%) vs the Hatters. Caleb Catto scored 4 of his 6 points in the game from the free throw line in overtime, and was vital in the victory. You hate to see this team continue to blow halftime leads but you take the road victory, and head to Jacksonville State looking to defeat an ASUN newcomer who is undefeated in ASUN play (4-0).

What’s Next:

FGCU (12-7, 2-3 ASUN) stays on the road to face Jacksonville State University (11-6, 4-0 ASUN), Saturday at 5 PM from the Pete Matthews Colliseum in Jacksonville, AL.