FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team wrapped up nonconference play on Monday afternoon at Alico Arena, falling to Columbia, 63-44.
RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 4-7, 0-0 ASUN | Columbia 9-4, 0-0 Ivy
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 44 | Fort Lauderdale 63
LOCATION: Alico Arena | Fort Myers, Fla.
First Quarter: FGCU battled from the opening tip and traded momentum early, getting off to a strong start behind Nay Staton's early three and consistent paint touches. The Eagles generated chances at the rim and stayed within striking distance through the first 10 minutes, but Columbia's pressure created extra possessions and the Lions carried an 18-14 edge into the second.
Second Quarter: The Eagles leaned on their interior offense to keep pace, with Staton continuing to finish efficiently and Eve Alexander converting inside. FGCU also earned trips to the free-throw line to steady the offense, trimming the margin and keeping the game competitive at the break, 30-29.
Third Quarter: Columbia seized control coming out of halftime, using turnovers to fuel transition chances and opening the quarter with a run that stretched the lead. FGCU was limited to four points in the frame as Columbia's defensive pressure disrupted rhythm and pushed the gap to 55-33 heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: FGCU continued to compete to the final horn, getting baskets from Sinai Douglas and Karina Gordon while working to create cleaner looks late. The Eagles won the final period 11-8 and finished with 30 points in the paint, but the third-quarter swing proved too much to overcome as Columbia secured the 63-44 decision.
Staton led FGCU with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Douglas added 11. Jordan Campbell pulled down a team-high nine rebounds as the Eagles finished with 34 boards.
Head Coach Raina Harmon - "I think today wasn't the best game to display our effort. I thought we made some tweaks in the first half that we were able to sustain, and once we got to that third quarter, we really came out, got punched in the mouth, and I thought things fell apart for us. Then our inconsistencies were really exploited. So we'll get back at it. Fortunately for us, all of the goals we have written on our board start tomorrow, and the chance to chase the NCAA Tournament starts tomorrow."
The Eagles remain at home to open ASUN Conference play on New Year's Day, welcoming North Alabama to Alico Arena for a 2 p.m. tipoff.
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