FGCU/JSU PREVIEW

Jacksonville, AL- FGCU (12-7, 2-3 ASUN) heads on the road to face ASUN Conference newcomer: Jacksonville State University (11-6, 4-0 ASUN), Saturday at 5 PM from the Pete Mathews Coliseum.

Stats (FGCU):

FGCU averages 76.9 ppg, shoots 44.9% (516/1148) from the field, and 35.6% (201/565) from beyond the arc. The Eagles average 38.1 team rebounds per game. The Eagles dish out 16.4 assists, 7.4 steals, and 4.6 blocks per game. FGCU averages 14.3 team turnovers per game.

Stats (JSU):

JSU averages 76.6 ppg, shoots 47.1% (457/970) from the field, and 41.5% (170/410) from beyond the arc. The Gamecocks average 38.6 team rebounds per game. JSU dishes out 14.7 assists, 6.9 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. The Gamecocks average 14.9 team turnovers per game.

Players To Watch For (FGCU):

5’8 GR G Tavian Dunn-Martin 19.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg

6’3 JR C Cyrus Largie 10.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg

6’11 6th C Kevin Samuel 10.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg

Players To Watch For (JSU):

6’3 SR G Darian Adams 14.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg

6’3 SR G Jalen Gibbs 12.1 ppg, 4.1 rpg

6’10 SR F/C Brandon Huffman 9.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg

Overview:

Jacksonville State may be a newcomer to the ASUN Conference, but they sure are off to a strong start overall, and in conference play (5-1). The Gamecocks played a non-conference slate that included road games vs Wichita State, #6 Alabama, and VCU. JSU played Alabama tough losing 65-59 in a highly contested game in Tuscaloosa. The Gamecocks have won six games in a row headed into this matchup with FGCU. Head Coach Ray Harper, is in his 6th season leading the Gamecocks. JSU came to the ASUN Conference, after playing in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC).

Jacksonville State is led in scoring by 6’3 SR G Darian Adams, who averages 14.8 ppg. Expect solid guard play between both teams, as we see Tavian Dunn-Martin (19.7 ppg) vs Darian Adams (14.8 ppg), Cyrus Largie (10.9 ppg) vs Jalen Gibbs (12.1 ppg), among other matchups. 6’11 6th C Kevin Samuel (10.8 ppg) faces 6’10 SR F/C Brandon Huffman (9.8 ppg) in the post, and we expect fireworks between the two big men.

The four wins in ASUN play for JSU came on the road against EKU, UNA, and Central Arkansas, and at home vs Lipscomb University. It’s an exciting matchup between the Eagles and Gamecocks, and one FGCU needs to win to get back on track in conference play. The Eagles head home after this game and will face EKU, and Bellarmine, and can’t afford to be 2-4 headed into those home games.