FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team continues conference play on Saturday, Jan. 3, welcoming Central Arkansas to Alico Arena for a 2 p.m. tipoff as the Eagles look to improve to 2-0 in conference play.

FGCU enters Saturday's matchup riding the momentum of a 51-44 victory over North Alabama on Thursday, Jan. 1, in its ASUN opener. After trailing by two at the end of the first quarter, the Eagles found their rhythm in the second with perimeter shooting and rebounding to take a halftime lead, then traded momentum through a physical third quarter highlighted by Cerina Rolle's buzzer-beating block that sparked energy heading into the fourth. FGCU took control in the final 10 minutes with its strongest defensive effort of the afternoon, holding North Alabama to just six points while protecting the paint, limiting second-chance opportunities, and closing the game with poise at the free-throw line. The Eagles finished with 37 rebounds, nine steals, and four blocks, holding the Lions to 4-of-23 shooting from three, as Nay Staton and Rolle scored 10 points apiece, Sinai Douglas added nine, and Eve Alexander contributed eight points, five rebounds, and two blocks in the victory.

Central Arkansas also opened league play with a convincing performance, earning a 65-43 road victory over Stetson on Jan. 1. The Sugar Bears set the tone early with defensive intensity, limiting Stetson's offensive rhythm and pulling away behind balanced scoring. Shae Littleford led the charge offensively, while Paris Santacaterina and Bree Stephens added support as Central Arkansas controlled the glass and turned stops into transition opportunities to close out the win.

FGCU has relied on a committee approach throughout the season, with multiple players contributing across the stat sheet. Sinai Douglas leads the Eagles offensively, averaging double figures while also setting the tone defensively on the perimeter. Nay Staton has been a steady interior presence, providing efficient scoring around the rim and rebounding on both ends, while Cerina Rolle and Karina Gordon add versatility with their ability to score, defend multiple positions, and move the ball. As a team, FGCU has emphasized defensive discipline, holding opponents to low shooting percentages and limiting second-chance opportunities, while continuing to grow offensively as conference play progresses.

Central Arkansas enters the matchup with a balanced attack built around Shae Littleford, who leads the Sugar Bears in scoring and minutes while serving as their primary offensive option. The 2025-26 ASUN Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Bree Stephens and Paris Santacaterina provide additional scoring punch, stretching the floor and contributing on the glass, while Cheyanne Kemp adds physicality in the frontcourt. The Sugar Bears have been effective on the boards and have shown the ability to generate points off turnovers, using defensive pressure and pace to fuel their offense. That combination has helped Central Arkansas establish consistency early in the season as they head into Saturday's road test.

This matchup features the ASUN's top two preseason picks, as FGCU was selected first and Central Arkansas second in both the ASUN Coaches and Media Polls. Saturday's contest marks the seventh all-time meeting between FGCU and Central Arkansas, with the Eagles holding a perfect 6-0 record in the series. The most recent matchup came in the ASUN Championship on March 15, 2025, when FGCU captured its ninth straight ASUN title with a 68-51 victory.

For the Eagles, the emphasis remains on continued growth and improvement as conference play unfolds. FGCU will look to limit clean looks from beyond the arc, apply consistent on-ball pressure to guard the ball, and stay disciplined defensively. Controlling the glass will also be a priority, as the Eagles aim to box out and limit Central Arkansas to one shot per possession while continuing to build momentum game by game.

Following Saturday's matchup, FGCU hits the road to take on Austin Peay in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m., as conference play continues.

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