LAS VEGAS, Nev. - In Las Vegas on Friday night, the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles earned a statement 66–62 win over previously undefeated Stanford at the Resorts World Classic. After entering the matchup 0–4 all time against the Cardinal, FGCU punched back with an all-around performance to hand Stanford its first loss of the season and ignite major momentum early in the
Raina Harmon era.
RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 2-3, 0-0 ASUN | Stanford 7-1, 0-0 ACC
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 66 | Stanford 62
LOCATION: Resorts World Events Center | Las Vegas, Nev.
First Quarter: FGCU opened with solid defensive intensity, contesting touches around the rim and forcing Stanford into tough looks.
Cerina Rolle and
Anna Mortag provided early offense, while
Sinai Douglas pushed the tempo to keep the Eagles within arm's reach. Stanford made just enough plays late in the frame to stay in front and took a narrow 15–14 lead after the opening 10 minutes.
Second Quarter: The Eagles settled in and began to control the tempo on both ends. Douglas connected on a midrange jumper to spark the offense, and
Maca Retamales added timely attacks to the basket to keep the scoring balanced. FGCU's defense held Stanford to just 10 points in the period, limiting second-chance opportunities and closing out possessions on the glass. A steady push to close the half sent the Eagles into the locker room with a 28–25 advantage.
Third Quarter: FGCU came out of halftime with one of its best offensive stretches of the early season, erupting for 26 points in the third quarter. Retamales caught fire from the perimeter, Mortag continued to score inside, and Douglas attacked downhill to keep Stanford on its heels. A highlight moment from the quarter came when
Karina Gordon sank back-to-back-to-back three pointers to push the Eagles ahead by 11. Even as the Cardinal found more rhythm offensively, the Eagles matched them shot for shot and used a late surge to outscore Stanford 26–23 in the frame, stretching the lead to 54–48 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: With the game in the balance, FGCU showed composure and toughness on both ends. Douglas created key drives to the rim, Retamales stepped up with a big three, and the Eagles did their job at the free throw line. The Cardinal made a late push, but FGCU got the stops it needed and managed the clock down the stretch to close out a 66–62 win, handing the Cardinal their first loss of the season in a statement performance.
Head Coach
Raina Harmon - "I am super proud of the team today. Our message to them was to focus for all 40 minutes, and we really challenged them coming into this trip. We've been playing well in the first half of games but slipping a bit in the third quarter, so we specifically challenged them to win that stretch, and they delivered with our best third quarter of the early season. I know it's a big win because it's good Stanford team and they came in undefeated, but what we did tonight is really a testament to the nonconference schedule we've taken on. It reflects the tough opponents we've already faced and the ones still ahead. I thought we did a fantastic job following the scouting report and trusting each other to execute offensively. I'm just super proud of them. Go Eagles!"
Forward
Maca Retamales - "From beginning to end, we put together a really solid game. We came in well prepared, and that preparation showed in how we handled everything Stanford threw at us. Offensively, we moved the ball, stayed disciplined, and trusted our system. Everyone embraced their role tonight, and that's what made the difference. We had each other's backs from the opening tip, and it led us to this win."
Maca Retamales - 14 PTS, 3 REB, 3 STL
Anna Mortag - 13 PTS, 4 REB, 1 BLK
Karina Gordon - 12 PTS, 1 REB, 1 BLK
Sinai Douglas - 10 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST
Cerina Rolle - 8 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
The Eagles are right back in action as they take on the Troy Trojans on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10:30 p.m. as part of the Resorts World Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To purchase tickets to any home FGCU game, please visit this
link, or call (866) 342-8849.
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