STETSON/FGCU PREVIEW

Fort Myers, FL- FGCU (16-9, 6-5 ASUN) looks to push their winning streak to four games, as they face Stetson University (11-13, 5-6 ASUN) at 4 PM from Alico Arena.

Stats (SU):

The Hatters average 69.5 ppg, shoot 43.9% (617/1407) from the field, and 34.6% (203/587) from beyond the arc. Stetson averages 35.7 team rebounds per game. The Hatters dish out 15.1 assists, 7.0 steals, and 2.8 blocks per game. Stetson averages 13.3 team turnovers per game.

Stats (FGCU):

The Eagles average 77.4 ppg, shoot 45.2% (690/1527) from the field, and 35.3% (261/740) from beyond the arc. FGCU averages 38.9 team rebounds per game. The Eagles dish out 16.4 assists, 6.9 steals, and 4.7 blocks per game. FGCU averages 14.0 team turnovers per game.

Players To Watch For (SU):

6’2 SO G Chase Johnston 13.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg

6’5 GR G Christiaan Jones 13.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg

6’8 SO F Josh Smith 7.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg

Players To Watch For (FGCU):

5’8 GR G Tavian Dunn-Martin 19.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg

6’11 6th C Kevin Samuel 11.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg

6’3 JR G Cyrus Largie 11.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg

Overview:

FGCU comes into this game on a 3 game winning streak, and the Eaglea are looking to make up for some of the early ASUN Conference losses that plagued this team to start conference play. The Hatters just upset Jacksonville State their previous game at home, behind strong defense that held the Gamecocks to only 16 2nd half points. The Hatters star guard Rob Perry, has been injured recently, and that’s a big void to fill for Stetson. Chase Johnston leads the Hatters offensively, and averages 13.4 ppg. Christiaan Jones is right there offensively too, averaging 13.3 ppg. Head Coach Donnie Jones is in his 3rd season leading the Hatters. The Eagles defeated the Hatters 93-91 in overtime, on 1/18 from the Edmunds Center, so expect another highly contested game from Alico Arena.

Tavian Dunn-Martin (19.8 ppg) continues to lead the Eagles offensively, and Kevin Samuel (11.8 ppg, 9.9 rpg) will not be denied in the post, and has been such a bright spot for the Eagles in the frontcourt. With Zach Anderson possibly sidelined for the near future, the Eagles will count on Dakota Rivers and Austin Richie to take those minutes, and contribute offensively. FGCU will try to get Matt Halvorsen going offensively, as he was back in double digits offensively, last game vs UNA.

Prediction:

FGCU 76 SU 71