FORT MYERS, Fla. -
Dallion Johnson scored 20 points in the second half and
Rahmir Barno set career-highs with seven assists and six steals as Florida Gulf Coast University played its final home game of the 2024 calendar year, topping Florida Tech 79-62 at Alico Arena Sunday.
"I thought we did a good job on defense putting pressure on [Florida Tech]," said FGCU head coach
Pat Chambers. "I thought we did a good job rebounding in the second half. But to hold a team like that to 34 in the second half and 27 in the first, I'll take that. Especially as we're heading into conference play. If we can keep teams in that 30-32 point range, that will give us a chance to compete in every game."
The Eagles (4-8) were slow to get going, but Barno provided a spark off the bench. The sophomore forced three steals in the first half that helped FGCU score 11 fast-break points. Still, the Panthers (3-9) held a 27-26 lead at the break.
In the second half, Johnson would catch fire.The senior went 7-of-11 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point territory, to help FGCU surge into the lead. Barno,
Zavian McLean and
Jevin Muniz each had four assists in the period as FGCU had 13 assists in the second half on 21 made shots. FGCU also out-rebounded Florida Tech 19-9 in the second half with 14 second chance points off of eight offensive rebounds. A 9-0 run over 2:16 early in the second half helped the Eagles push the lead into double-digits, and FGCU wouldn't be seriously threatened the rest of the way.
FGCU would lead by as many as 19 in the second half, with
Keeshawn Kellman flushing home a dunk to put an exclamation point on the proceedings.
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Four players scored in double-figures with Johnson tying his career-high with 25. Kellman added 14 and fell a rebound shy of a double-double for the second game in a row. Barno added a dozen, with
Rory Stewart connecting for 10.
Florida Tech's Donovan Brown led all scorers with 26 points. After scoring 25 points earlier this season against Jacksonville, Brown is now averaging 25.5 points per game this season against Atlantic Sun Conference competition.
The Eagles have one last game in 2024, taking on Richmond this Saturday in Richmond, Virginia. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
