Nineteen points from
Zach Anderson and 17 from
Dallion Johnson weren't enough for Florida Gulf Coast University as the Eagles fell, 69-63, to Indiana University at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana Tuesday night.
"I thought our guys competed as hard as they could and I'm grateful for their effort - truly," said FGCU head coach
Pat Chambers. "But we'll watch the film and we will get better from this. That's what I'm excited about."
The Eagles (0-1) hung with the hosts from the Big Ten Conference for most of the way. FGCU held a 26-25 lead late in the first half, but three free-throws in the closing stages gave IU a 28-26 lead at intermission.
In the second half, an 8-0 run that featured a pair of Johnson 3-pointers gave the Eagles their largest lead of the game, 48-42, and sent Indiana into a timeout with 10:43 to go. Out of the stoppage, the Hoosiers (1-0) would go on a game-changing 14-0 run to take the lead for good.
"They really turned up the pressure," Coach Chambers said. "And we knew they would do that. We try to practice that, but with that environment and how loud it got in here...what a great opportunity for growth for us to get better in this situation.
Trailing by 10 late, a pair of 3-pointers from Anderson in a span of seven seconds chopped the lead down to four, 65-61.
Keeshawn Kellman brought the Eagles within two on a layup in transition, but that would be the last points the guests would score. Four points from the charity stripe would seal the win and the final margin for the Hoosiers.
FGCU had more assists than the Hoosiers, 13-11. In his first collegiate game,
Rahmir Barno had a game-high six helpers. The Eagles also had a 15-8 advantage in second-chance points.
The Eagles will be back in action for their home opener in Fort Myers, Fla., Friday night against Ave Maria. Tip-off in Alico Arena is set for 7 p.m.
