FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University men's basketball hosts third-place Jacksonville on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for Superhero Night at Alico Arena before traveling to Stetson on Thursday to face the Hatters at 7 p.m.
FGCU renews pleasantries with Jacksonville for the 35th time in a series that dates back to 2008. FGCU has won the last six meetings in a 22-12 series lead, including a 24-point comeback win earlier this season at JU. Dallion Johnson led the scoring in the game with 20 points, and Keeshawn Kellman followed just behind at 19 points for the thrilling 83-79 win.
The victory at the time propelled FGCU to the top of the ASUN standings. Fast forward nearly three weeks later and after back-to-back losses, FGCU finds itself tied for fifth at 14-13 and 9-5 in the league. The Eagles are 8-4 at home this season.
On Thursday, the Eagles will travel to their closest ASUN opponent in Stetson, who are currently 5-9 in conference and fighting for a postseason berth. FGCU pummeled the Hatters 82-56 earlier this year.
The top six teams in the race for the regular season conference championship are only separated by two games. Lipscomb and North Alabama currently hold the top position in the ASUN, tied at 11-3 with four games left to play. At 10-4, Jacksonville is tied for third alongside EKU. Enter 9-5 FGCU and Queens into the picture, all of which have clinched a spot in the upcoming ASUN Tournament.
JU's Robert McCray is fourth in the ASUN in points per game, scoring 16.5 per contest. Defensively, the Dolphins lead the ASUN in both turnovers forced per game (13.77) and in blocks per game (4.6).
FGCU will counter with Johnson, Kellman, Zavian McLean and Jevin Muniz, all of which are averaging double-figures this season. Johnson's 15.2 points per game leads the Eagles' offensive attack. Johnson is 12th in the country and second in the ASUN in 3-point field goals made this season with 83, while Kellman is first in the ASUN and 12th in the nation in field goal percentage at 61.3 percent.
Tickets for FGCU men's basketball start at just $12 for general admission. For more information on single-game and season tickets, please call the FGCU Ticket Office at 1-866-FGCU-TIX (866-324-8449).
