FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team returns to Alico Arena on Thursday night at 7p.m. to host Ave Maria.
The matchup marks the eighth all-time meeting between the two programs, with FGCU holding a perfect 7-0 record against the Gyrenes. The Eagles dominated last year's contest, earning an 82-43 victory at home. In seven of the eight matchups, the Eagles have held the Gyrenes to under 45 points.
FGCU looks to rebound following its season-opening loss to Davidson on Saturday night. In the loss, Sinai Douglas paced FGCU with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Anna Mortag and Nay Staton chipped in eight points each.
Ave Maria enters Thursday's matchup 1-2 overall after an 84-61 win over Florida National. The Gyrenes were led by Ashley Chilson's 22-point, 10-rebound performance, while Elena Barnes added 16 points and 11 boards.
The Eagles own a 70-24 all-time record when coming off a loss. The Green and Blue are also 4-2 in games following a season-opening defeat.
The keys to the game for the Eagles are to decrease turnover and increase assists, play faster, and to be aggressive in the paint both offensively and defensively.
FGCU will aim to extend its unbeaten streak over the Gyrenes and capture its first victory of the 2025-26 season inside Alico Arena.
After clashing with the Gyrenes, the Eagles will travel to Fairfax, VA to take on the George Mason Patriots on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_WBB.
