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44
North Ala. UNA 5-7,0-1 ASUN
51
Winner FGCU FGCU 5-7,1-0 ASUN
North Ala. UNA
5-7,0-1 ASUN
44
Final
51
FGCU FGCU
5-7,1-0 ASUN
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
North Ala. UNA 14 10 14 6 44
FGCU FGCU 12 15 13 11 51
WBB

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Michael Ziegler

Strong Defensive Finish Lifts FGCU Past North Alabama in ASUN Opener

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team opened ASUN play with a 51-44 victory over North Alabama on New Year's Day inside Alico Arena. FGCU used a strong defensive finish to close the game, holding the Lions to six points in the fourth quarter to secure the conference win.

Breakdown
RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 5-7, 1-0 ASUN | North Alabama 5-7, 0-1 ASUN
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 51 | North Alabama 44
LOCATION: Alico Arena | Fort Myers, Fla.

How It Happened
First Quarter: North Alabama struck first and built an early edge behind efficient looks in the paint, but FGCU settled in defensively and answered with perimeter scoring. Karina Gordon knocked down a pair of triples in the opening frame, while the Eagles created turnovers and turned them into transition chances to stay within two, 14-12, after 10 minutes.
Second Quarter: FGCU found its rhythm offensively in the second, getting key threes from Sinai Douglas, Cerina Rolle, and Nay Staton as the Eagles briefly took control. FGCU battled on the glass and strung together stops to create separation, taking a 27-24 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter: The Lions responded out of the break and the game swung back and forth through the third. FGCU continued to get timely scoring from Staton and Douglas while defending the rim with multiple blocks, but North Alabama used second-chance opportunities to keep the pressure on. The momentum shifted heading into the final period when Cerina Rolle came up with a block at the buzzer to end the quarter, igniting the Eagles and sending FGCU into the fourth with added energy and confidence. FGCU carried a 40-38 lead into the final frame.
Fourth Quarter: FGCU delivered its strongest defensive effort of the afternoon in the final 10 minutes, holding North Alabama to just six points while taking control down the stretch. The Eagles protected the paint with timely blocks and rebounding, limiting second-chance opportunities and forcing the Lions into tough late-clock shots. Eve Alexander helped anchor the defense inside and converted key baskets in the paint, while FGCU attacked the glass to extend possessions. Down the stretch, the Eagles showed poise at the free-throw line and made the necessary defensive stops to close out the 51-44 ASUN-opening victory.
FGCU finished with 37 rebounds, nine steals, and four blocks while holding North Alabama to 4-of-23 shooting from three. Staton and Rolle led the Eagles with 10 points apiece, with Staton adding seven rebounds. Douglas chipped in nine points, while Alexander posted eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Gordon added seven points with three assists and two steals as FGCU opened league play 1-0.

Coach's Corner
Head Coach Raina Harmon - 


What's Next
The Eagles close out their five-game homestand, hosting Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 3, as conference play continues inside Alico Arena.

To purchase tickets to any home FGCU 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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