FORT MYERS, Fla. -
Dallion Johnson scored a career-high 25 points as Florida Gulf Coast University picked up its first win of the season, 74-54, over Cal State University Bakersfield Friday morning at Alico Arena in the first game of the FGCU MTE.
"I'm proud of our team," said FGCU head coach
Pat Chambers. "Bakersfield is a tough team, and I felt we exceeded their toughness. I thought it was our defense that made the difference. I thought it was our energy. I thought it was our toughness."
The Eagles (1-4) never trailed in the contest as Johnson drained a 3-pointer on FGCU's first possession and the Green and Blue never looked back.
Zavian McLean gave FGCU its first double-digit lead of the game, 24-13, with 8:44 left in the opening period. McLean scored seven in the half, but it was dwarfed by Johnson's 16 in the period. The Boston native connected on a 3-pointer to make it 37-22 after 20 minutes of play.
The Roadrunners (3-2) wouldn't get within 12 points the rest of the way. FGCU stretched its lead to 20 when
Keeshawn Kellman kicked it out to
Rahmir Barno for a 3-pointer to make it 60-40. FGCU would have its largest lead of the game late after a pair of
Tristen Guillouette free-throws made it 74-40 entering the final minute, and the Eagles would close out the contest with a 20-point advantage.
Three Eagles would finish in double-figures in scoring as McLean netted a dozen and
Jevin Muniz scored 10 in the second half. As a team, FGCU had 15 assists, compared to just four for CSU Bakersfield. Muniz and Barno would each finish with a game-best four. Muniz and Barno also matched each other with eight rebounds to lead all payers.
Marvin McGhee III led the Roadrunners with 15 points. Fidelis Okereke added 10 to the tally for the guests.
FGCU will be back in action Saturday at 1 p.m. against Northeastern as the FGCU MTE continues for a second day. The game will be available for live streaming on ESPN+, with tickets available at
FGCUTickets.com.
