FGCU/LIBERTY PREVIEW

Lynchburg, VA- FGCU (18-10, 8-6 ASUN) faces Liberty University (20-9, 11-3 ASUN) Wednesday night at 7 PM from Liberty Arena.

Stats (FGCU):

The Eagles average 77.5 ppg, shoot 44.8% (774/1727) from the field, and 35.2% (290/825) from beyond the arc. FGCU grabs 39.1 team rebounds per game. The Eagles dish out 16.5 assists, 7.0 steals, and 5.5 blocks per game. FGCU averages 13.8 team turnovers per game

Stats (LU-28 games):

The Flames average 73.3 ppg, shoot 47.9% (724/1511) from the field, and 40.0% (305/762) from beyond the arc. Liberty grabs 33.7 team rebounds per game. The Flames dish out 15.2 assists, 5.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game. Liberty averages 11.6 team turnovers per game.

Players To Watch For (FGCU):

5’8 GR G Tavian Dunn-Martin 20.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg

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

6’3 JR G Cyrus Largie 10.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg

Players To Watch For (LU):

5’9 SR G Darius McGhee 23.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg

6’7 JR F Shiloh Robinson 10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg

6’6 R-SR G/F Keegan McDowell 10.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg

Overview:

FGCU dropped a critical game Saturday vs UNF, and now face their toughest test Wednesday night, vs a Liberty University team they have never beaten. FGCU last faced Liberty on 1/15 and fell 78-75. The Eagles had a 9 point lead headed into the half (40-31), but struggled in the 2nd half, allowing 47 2nd half points to the Flames. Darius McGhee burned the Eagles for a program record 48 points, hitting 8 three point field goals (8/14). The Eagles have to contain McGhee, and win the battle inside in the paint. Tavian Dunn-Martin continues to lead the Eagles offensively, averaging 20.0 ppg. 5’9 SR G Darius McGhee leads the Flames offensively, averaging 23.8 ppg. Darius continues every game to consistently put up huge numbers, and is on his way to ASUN Conference Player of the Year. He is the heart and soul of Liberty Men’s Basketball, and one of the best stories in college basketball.

Head Coach Ritchie McKay, is in his 2nd head coaching stint with the Flames, and been with the team since 2015. Defending Kyle Rode, and Shiloh Robinson in the paint is vital, Kevin Samuel has a height advantage, and the Eagles need to use this to their advantage. Tavian Dunn-Martin continues his strong season carrying the Eagles offensively, and is averaging 20.0 ppg. Liberty has already wrapped up the bye for their first round matchup, and the Eagles are on the outside looking in after their road loss to UNF. FGCU winning both games vs Liberty, and Jacksonville, would be great for team moral, headed into the ASUN Conference tournament.