FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team opens ASUN Conference play on New Year's Day, welcoming North Alabama to Alico Arena for a 2 p.m. tipoff on Thursday. The matchup marks the start of a new chapter of the season, as the Eagles look to turn the page on the nonconference slate and focus on capturing their ninth straight ASUN regular season championship.
FGCU enters the contest coming off a 63-44 setback to Columbia on Monday, Dec. 29. FGCU showed early fight and stayed competitive through the first half, trading momentum with Columbia behind efficient interior play to trail just 30-29 at the break. Columbia took control coming out of halftime, using defensive pressure to force turnovers and ignite a decisive third-quarter run that stretched the margin. Despite being limited offensively in that frame, the Eagles continued to compete down the stretch, winning the fourth quarter and finishing with 30 points in the paint, but the third-quarter swing proved too much in a 63-44 loss. Staton led FGCU with 13 points on efficient shooting,
Sinai Douglas added 11, and
Jordan Campbell grabbed a team-high nine rebounds as the Eagles totaled 34 boards.
With Monday's nonconference finale, the Eagles closed out one of the most challenging nonconference schedules in the nation. The Eagles played the second-toughest nonconference slate this season, ranking only behind Southern, with a strength of schedule of 0.6517 against opponents that combined for a 77–31 record. The demanding stretch tested FGCU across multiple fronts and provided valuable experience heading into conference action.
North Alabama comes to Fort Myers after an 84-57 loss at Missouri on Dec. 21. The Lions showed balance offensively in that contest, with multiple players scoring in double figures, while relying heavily on perimeter shooting and energy from their bench. UNA will look to reset as ASUN play begins, aiming to establish rhythm early in league competition.
Thursday's matchup is the 15th all-time meeting between the two programs, with FGCU holding a commanding 13-1 advantage in the series. The Eagles have won seven straight against the Lions, including a 60-50 road victory in Florence, Alabama, on Feb. 22, 2025.
For FGCU, the focus shifts to a fresh start and renewed confidence with conference play officially underway. Offensively, the Eagles will look to establish the post early, where they have converted at an efficient clip, while continuing to emphasize ball movement and spacing. Defensively, urgency and intensity will be key, as FGCU aims to set the tone with pressure, communication, and consistent effort on every possession to protect Alico Arena.
Following the New Year's Day contest, the Eagles close out the homestand, hosting Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 3, as conference play continues inside Alico Arena.
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