FORT MYERS, Fla. - After a strong showing at Indiana University Tuesday night, Florida Gulf Coast University will open Alico Arena for the 2023-24 season as the Eagles play host to Ave Maria University Friday night at 7 p.m. in men's basketball action.

FGCU (0-1) connected on 13 3-pointers as a team in its 69-63 loss to the Hoosiers. Zach Anderson hit five shots from beyond-the-arc as part of his 19-point effort. Dallion Johnson scored 17 points off the bench, draining five triples as well in the contest. Rahmir Barno had six assists in his first collegiate game.

The Gyrenes will be playing on back-to-back nights and are considering Friday night's game an exhibition. An NAIA program out of The Sun Conference, Ave Maria dropped a 105-61 contest to FGCU last season.

Following Friday night's game, the Eagles will play their second opponent from a Power Five conference this season as they travel to take on the University of Pittsburgh. Monday night's contest will tip at 7:00 p.m. and be featured on the ACC Network.