Women's Basketball 12/19/2025 9:00:00 AM Michael Ziegler

Eagles Set For Home Test Against #3 South Carolina

FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team returns home on Saturday afternoon, welcoming No. 3 South Carolina to Alico Arena for a 2 p.m. showdown in Fort Myers. The contest presents another marquee nonconference test for the Eagles, as they continue to grow and compete against one of the nation's elite programs.

FGCU enters Saturday's game coming off a 70-59 road victory over Florida Atlantic on Friday, Dec. 12, in Boca Raton. The Eagles controlled the game with efficiency on offense and discipline on the defensive end, shooting better than 53 percent from the field while holding FAU to 34.5 percent shooting. Sinai Douglas led the way with 13 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Jalei Pillow added a season-high 12 points to go along with five rebounds and a block. Cerina Rolle posted an all-around performance with 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists, Karina Gordon chipped in 10 points on a perfect 7-for-7 showing from the free-throw line, and Nay Staton contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and two steals.

South Carolina steps into Saturday's matchup coming off a dominant 104-44 win over South Florida on Thursday, Dec. 18, in Tampa. The Gamecocks forced turnovers, converted in transition, shot over 60 percent from the field, and controlled the paint on both ends. Joyce Edwards led the way with a game-high 34 points on 14-for-15 shooting, while Tessa Johnson added 16, Ta'Niya Latson chipped in 15, and Madina Okot posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Raven Johnson set the tone defensively, disrupting passing lanes and fueling South Carolina's transition attack.

Saturday marks just the second all-time meeting between FGCU and South Carolina. The Gamecocks hold a 1-0 advantage in the series, with their lone win coming in a 65-46 decision on Nov. 23, 2012, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For the Eagles, the focus remains on continued growth and execution. Valuing possessions will be critical against a South Carolina defense that regularly forces more than 25 turnovers per game, led by strong on-ball defenders such as Raven Johnson, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards. FGCU will also look to match the Gamecocks' physicality, as South Carolina brings the most size the Eagles have faced this season, and emphasize transition defense to limit easy paint touches and open looks from beyond the arc. Maintaining a next-play mentality will be key, as South Carolina's ability to score in bunches and string together defensive stops tests opponents for a full 40 minutes.

Following Saturday's contest, the Eagles remain at Alico Arena, returning to action on Monday, Dec. 22, when they host Fort Lauderdale at 1 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the FGCU vs #3 South Carolina game or any future FGCU home 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.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Cerina Rolle: S; 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior

#0 Karina Gordon: S; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#0 Nay Staton: F; 6' 0"; Fifth Year

#11 Sinai Douglas: G; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#13 Jalei Pillow: F; 5' 11"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#3 Cerina Rolle
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior
: S

#0 Karina Gordon
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: S

#0 Nay Staton
: 6' 0"; Fifth Year
: F

#11 Sinai Douglas
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#13 Jalei Pillow
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: F