FORT MYERS, Fla. -
Khamari Mitchell-Steen scored 20 points and
Emani Jefferson added 19 as nine different players scored for Florida Gulf Coast University to help the Eagles to an 81-58 victory over Queens University of Charlotte Thursday night in Alico Arena to start Atlantic Sun Conference women's basketball play.
Four players scored in double-figures in all for FGCU, with
Cerina Rolle and
Casey Santoro each netting 10.
Lauryn Taylor set a new season-high for FGCU in rebounds with 16 as the Eagles out-rebounded the guests 44-38. FGCU also made hay at the free-throw line, sinking 20-of-31, a new high on the campaign for the Eagles.
"It just makes life easier on offense when you have multiple weapons that can score, can shoot and can get to the rim," said FGCU head coach
Chelsea Lyles, who improved to 10-1 at the helm. "I love seeing multiple people being available to score and defend. We want people that can do it on both ends, and that makes our team as a whole a lot better."
The Eagles (10-3, 1-0 ASUN) broke away from the Royals early, holding a 25-17 lead after the first quarter of play thanks to Jefferson's 10 points over the first 10 minutes. The momentum carried into the second quarter, with the home side outscoring the guests 26-13. The Green & Blue held a 51-30 lead at the break, setting a new high-water mark for points in a first half this season. Mitchell-Steen had 14 points in the half, with Jefferson closing the opening 20 minutes on 13.
The third quarter would also belong to FGCU as the Eagles clamped down even harder on defense. The Royals (6-6, 0-1 ASUN) were just 4-of-15 from the field, with four different people combining for a total of eight points. Jefferson and Mitchell-Steen each had six in the period as the Eagles set the pace with 19 points in the frame. Taylor grabbed six of her rebounds in the quarter as FGCU built its largest lead of the game at 34 points, 70-36, with just over a minute left in the period. FGCU would pull most of its starters in the fourth quarter as the Eagles cruised to a 23-point victory.
FGCU won its 16th-straight conference opener. The Eagles are now 16-2 in ASUN curtain raisers, with the only two losses coming in the first two years of transitioning from Division II to Division I. The Green & Blue also won their 34th game in a row against ASUN competition. The Eagles are now 98-3 in their last 101 ASUN contests and also improved to 9-0 on the season when connecting on eight or more 3-pointers.
The Eagles will be back in action Saturday when they host D-I newcomer West Georgia in Alico Arena. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m., with Saturday also being Pet Appreciation Day. Submitted pet pics will be shown on Eagle Vision throughout the game. FGCU Athletics will also be accepting pet food donations in the Alico Arena lobby. Fans who donate will receive an FGCU water bowl for their furry friend. Student beer (ages 21+) will be available for purchase Saturday for $3.
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