FGCU/JU PREVIEW

Jacksonville, FL- FGCU (15-11, 5-8 ASUN) faces Jacksonville University (12-12, 5-8 ASUN), Saturday afternoon at 4 PM, from Historic Swisher Gymnasium.

Stats (FGCU):

FGCU averages 71.3 ppg, shoot 43.5% (656/1507) from the field, and 35.5% (238/671) from beyond the arc. The Eagles average 35.8 team rebounds per game. FGCU dishes out 12.9 assists, 6.8 steals, and 3.4 blocks per game. The Eagles average 11.9 team turnovers per game.

Stats (JU):

JU averages 64.8 ppg, shoot 46.0% (580/1261) from the field, and 34.2% (165/483) from beyond the arc. The Dolphins average 33.8 team rebounds per game. JU dishes out 13.3 assists, 5.3 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. The Dolphins average 11.8 team turnovers per game.

3 Players To Watch For (FGCU):

6’1 SR G Isaiah Thompson 14.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg

6’7 JR F Zach Anderson 12.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg

6’3 JR G Chase Johnston 12.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg

3 Players To Watch For (JU):

6’2 R-SR G Kevion Nolan 13.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg

6’11 R-JR F Mike Marsh 10.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg

6’3 GR G Jordan Davis 10.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg

Overview:

FGCU and JU square off for the final time in the regular season, Saturday afternoon in Jacksonville. The Eagles defeated the Dolphins, 72-65, on 12/31 from Alico Arena. JU has lost their last three games in a row, and FGCU snapped a five game losing streak, defeating UNF, Thursday night, from UNF Arena.

Jacksonville is led offensively by Kevion Nolan, who is averaging 13.1 ppg, and the best player on the court for the Dolphins. We remember Nolan hitting the game winning buzzer beater last season at Swisher Gymnasium, from near half court, and he has the range to shoot the ball from anywhere on the floor. Head Coach Jordan Mincy is in his second season with the Dolphins, and has seen his team struggle this year, much more than last years 21-10 squad, that reached the ASUN Conference Championship game.

FGCU is led offensively by Isaiah Thompson, who is averaging 14.3 ppg, and has contributed all season for the Eagles. Dakota Rivers carried FGCU offensively in a win vs UNF Thursday night, and we hope to see more minutes for the dynamic forward. The lineup looked different Thursday night, and with the athleticism this team has, they are capable of winning games down the stretch, and it will be up to Coach Pat Chambers to formulate the right strategy lineup wise, as the Eagles hope to head into the ASUN Conference tournament, on a high note.