FGCU/UNF PREVIEW

Jacksonville, FL- FGCU (14-11, 4-8 ASUN) faces UNF (10-14, 5-7 ASUN), Thursday night at 7 PM, from UNF Arena.

Stats (FGCU):

FGCU averages 71.4 ppg, shoots 43.2% (628/1453) from the field, and 35.5% (233/656) from beyond the arc. The Eagles average 35.9 team rebounds per game. FGCU dishes out 13.0 assists, 6.8 steals, and 3.4 blocks per game. The Eagles average 12.0 team turnovers per game.

Stats (UNF):

UNF averages 74.6 ppg, shoots 44.3% (627/1415) from the field, and 34.0% (234/689) from beyond the arc. The Ospreys average 34.5 team rebounds per game. UNF dishes out 13.0 assists, 4.9 steals, and 4.0 blocks per game. The Ospreys average 12.5 team turnovers per game.

3 Players To Watch For (FGCU):

6’1 SR G Isaiah Thompson 14.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg

6’7 JR F Zach Anderson 12.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg

6’3 JR G Chase Johnston 12.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg

3 Players To Watch For (UNF):

6’7 SR F/G Carter Hendricksen 16.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg

6’1 R-JR G Jose Placer 13.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg

6’3 JR G Jarius Hicklen 11.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg

Overview:

FGCU and UNF square off for the second time this season, with the Eagles being victorious, 82-57, in the first game on 1/7 from Alico Arena. Much has changed since thar game for FGCU, as the Eagles are now sitting at 4-8 in ASUN Conference play. The Ospreys are one game ahead of FGCU, with a 5-7 ASUN Conference record.

UNF is led offensively by Carter Hendricksen, who is averaging 16.5 ppg. Jose Placer runs the offense for UNF, and is the 2nd leading scorer for the Ospreys, averaging 13.7 ppg. Head Coach Matthew Driscoll, has led UNF since 2009. The Ospreys have won their past two games, and they were back to back games vs Jacksonville.

FGCU is in the midst of a five game losing streak, and are desperately in need of a win to qualify for a spot in the ASUN Conference tournament. Isaiah Thompson leads the Eagles offensively, averaging 14.7 ppg. Thompson has had an outstanding season, and playing some of his best basketball these past few games. If the Eagles are gonna win this game, they will need to limit UNF from beyond the arc. The Ospreys made 13 three point field goals Saturday night at home, and with these Matthew Driscoll coached teams, we know that is their M.O. Placer and Hendricksen can shoot the ball from anywhere and everywhere, so limiting the Ospreys top two scorers will pay dividends, for a hungry FGCU team. Should be a great game from UNF Arena, as the rivalry continues between FGCU and UNF!