FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team is back on the road this week, traveling to Jonesboro, Ark. to face Arkansas State on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The matchup presents another early-season test for the Eagles as they look to build on a strong showing at the Resorts World Classic in Las Vegas.
FGCU enters the contest at 2–4 following a statement weekend highlighted by a big 66–62 win over previously undefeated Stanford. The Eagles earned their first-ever victory over the Cardinal behind balanced scoring, timely perimeter shooting, and one of their best defensive efforts of the season. FGCU held Stanford to just 35.6 percent shooting, limited second-chance opportunities, and delivered a dominant 26-point third quarter fueled by Maca Retamales, Anna Mortag, Sinai Douglas, and a trio of threes from Karina Gordon.
Retamales continued her outstanding play the following night, exploding for a career-high 29 points in a hard-fought 74–70 loss to Troy. FGCU nearly erased an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit, putting up 22 points in the final frame behind Retamales' shot-making and Douglas' control of the pace. Douglas finished just shy of a triple-double with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists, while the Eagles' bench contributed 46 points. Despite the late surge, Troy converted key opportunities down the stretch to hold off the Eagles.
Arkansas State enters Wednesday's matchup at 5–3 after a convincing 74–54 win over Kent State. The Red Wolves showcased an efficient offensive attack, shooting 41.9 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from three. Six players scored at least nine points, led by D'Arrah Allen's 17 and Zyion Shannon's 16. Arkansas State also displayed active defense, forcing 23 Kent State turnovers and converting them into 23 points while adding 12 second-chance points and 7 fast-break points. Their balanced scoring, perimeter efficiency, and ability to generate extra possessions highlight a group capable of creating momentum quickly.
For the Eagles, the keys to the game center on composure, ball movement, and discipline on the defensive end. FGCU will need to take care of the basketball from the start, as Arkansas State applies full-court pressure from tip-off till the final buzzer. Offensively, the focus is to "share the sugar," emphasizing assists and sharp ball movement to create high-quality looks. On the glass, the Eagles aim to improve their defensive rebounding through strong box outs and physicality inside. Defensively, FGCU must stay locked in on the perimeter, as the Red Wolves tend to shoot a high volume of threes.
Following the game, the Eagles continue the road stretch of their nonconference schedule, as they travel to Boca Raton, Fla. to face Florida Atlantic University at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.
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