FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball dominated Florida International University for a 81-48 home-opening win Tuesday at Alico Arena.
"It's always nice to feel the energy in Alico Arena," head coach Karl Smesko said. "The crowd came out and they were behind us right away. We have a lot of new players, and I think they were excited to see what they looked like. I'm glad a lot of people played well in their first game in Alico."
FGCU (2-1) remains undefeated against the in-state foe as the Eagles improve to 15-0 all-time versus the Panthers. The Green & Blue delivered a 29-point win a season ago, and cruised to a 33-point victory Tuesday. FGCU has now won eight consecutive home openers.
The Eagles struggled from behind-the-arc but managed to overcome its lackluster 3-point performance with success in the paint. FIU held the Eagles to a season-low 24 percent from deep. FGCU countered the Panther's defense game plan by scoring 50 points in the painted area.
FIU (2-1) scored the first two points of the game, sinking two free throws, but would only lead for a total of 14 seconds. An ensuing Uju Ezeudu three-pointer gave the Eagles a lead that they would not surrender.
FGCU then soared out to a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and held a 16-point advantage at the break, 44-28. The 44 first-half points match a season-high outing for FGCU.
The Eagles kept their foot on the gas and marched to their largest lead of the night, 34 points late in the fourth courtesy of a Cerina Rolle made a layup. The FGCU defense flexed its muscle as well as the Eagles held the Panthers scoreless for the final 7:13 minutes of play.
Four Eagles reached double figures Tuesday. Dolly Cairns, Ezeudu, Ajulu Thatha and Rolle each produced 10 points or more.
Cairns led the offensive charge with 19, three points shy of tying a career high. Cairns drained three of the Eagles' five made 3-pointers Tuesday. Ezeudu turned in another double-double performance, adding 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
FGCU returns to the court Sunday to host SEC opponent Kentucky at 2 p.m. at Alico Arena.
