FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team heads back on the road this week, making the short trip to Boca Raton for an in-state matchup against Florida Atlantic on Friday at 11 a.m. from Abessinio Court at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. The matchup gives the Eagles a chance to reset and regain momentum as they continue their December stretch of nonconference play.
FGCU enters Friday's game following a 68-58 road loss at Arkansas State on Dec. 3 in Jonesboro. The Eagles generated steady offense throughout the night, highlighted by another strong performance from forward Nay Staton, who finished with 12 points on perfect shooting (2-2 FG, 1-1 3FG, 7-7 FT), six rebounds, three assists, a block, and two steals. Jalei Pillow added a season-high 11 points and five rebounds, while Anna Mortag matched her with 11 points and set a new season best with seven boards to go along with two steals. FGCU shot nearly 42 percent from the field and generated 24 points in the paint, but Arkansas State capitalized on second-chance scoring and timely perimeter play to pull away late.
Florida Atlantic enters the matchup fresh off a defensive-minded 47-44 victory over Western Kentucky, showcasing their ability to grind out possessions and disrupt offensive flow. The Owls forced 25 turnovers in the win and benefited from balanced contributions across the rotation, leaning on their guard play and activity on the boards to close out the contest.
Friday's meeting marks the third all-time matchup between FGCU and FAU, with the series tied 1-1. FAU took the inaugural meeting on Nov. 17, 2015, in Fort Myers, 62-55, while the Eagles claimed the return trip in Boca Raton on Dec. 11, 2016, with a 65-50 victory.
For the Eagles, the keys to the game are to continue to improve with each game while sharpening both ends of the floor. Offensively, the Eagles aim to "share the sugar" by sustaining ball movement and generating more connected, synergistic possessions. Defensively, the priorities center on running FAU off the three-point line, reestablishing the aggressive identity that defined the start of the season, and tightening on-ball, gap, and help-side pressure. The Eagles will also emphasize finishing defensive possessions with strong box outs to limit the Owls to a single shot opportunity.
Following the trip to Boca Raton, FGCU returns home to Alico Arena for a marquee matchup, hosting No. 3 South Carolina on Friday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the FGCU vs #3 South Carolina game, please visit this link, or call (866) 342-8849.
To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_WBB.
