FGCU/FAU RECAP

Boca Raton, FL- FGCU (7-3) saw their five game winning streak end, as they lost to FAU (8-1), 85-53, Wednesday night from Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena.

Stats (FGCU):

FGCU shot 40.0% (18/45) from the field, 31.8% (7/22) from beyond the arc, and were outrebounded 38-26 by the Owls. The Eagles dished out 7 assists, had 3 steals, and 2 blocks in the game. FGCU forced 8 FAU team turnovers, while having 16 team turnovers of their own.

Stats (FAU):

FAU shot 53.2% (33/62) from the field, 46.7% (14/30) from beyond the arc, and outrebounded the Eagles: 38-26. The Owls dished out 19 assists, had 6 steals, and 5 blocks in the game. FAU forced 16 FGCU team turnovers, while having 8 team turnovers of their own.

Outstanding Players (FGCU):

Dakota Rivers 9 pts, 3 reb

Isaiah Thompson 9 pts

Chase Johnston 7 pts, 2 reb

Outstanding Players (FAU):

Alijah Martin 21 pts, 3 reb

Michael Forrest 10 pts, 5 reb

Vladislav Goldin 8 pts, 8 reb

Overview:

FAU came out on fire from beyond the arc, and the Eagles could not keep up with the Owls in tonight’s game. The Owls shot 44% (8/18) in the first half, and 50% (6/12) in the 2nd half of the game. FAU was led offensively by Alijah Martin, who scored a game high 21 points. Michael Forrest also finished in double figures, scoring 10 points. FGCU was led offensively by Dakota Rivers, and Isaiah Thompson, who both scored 9 points.

The Eagles were in a funk offensively and defensively, from the tip off, and this is one of those games, you throw the clipboard out, and regroup for Mercer on Saturday night. Andre Weir missed the game, and the Eagles had a small lineup on the court, vs an FAU team that had a 7’1 Center in Vladislav Goldin, who gave FGCU fits with his size. The Eagles cold shooting, combined with not being able to grab offensive rebounds, led to the blow out. Coach Chambers will be able to look at this veteran team, and if this is the adversity they face early in the season, the team will be better for it.

What’s Next:

FGCU (7-3) heads home to face Mercer University (5-5), Saturday night at 7 PM from Alico Arena.