FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team continued its dominance in league play on Saturday afternoon, earning a 64-51 victory over Central Arkansas inside Alico Arena. With the win, the Eagles improved to 2-0 in ASUN action and extended their conference winning streak to 54 consecutive games.
RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 6-7, 2-0 ASUN | Central Arkansas 8-6, 1-1 ASUN
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 64 | Central Arkansas 51
LOCATION: Alico Arena | Fort Myers, Fla.
First Quarter: FGCU set the tone early by attacking the paint and defending with discipline, taking the game's first lead on a
Sinai Douglas layup off a
Karina Gordon assist and never giving it up.
Nay Staton followed with a strong finish inside as the Eagles established their interior presence. After Central Arkansas briefly answered with perimeter shooting, FGCU responded with timely execution down the stretch of the quarter.
Anna Mortag knocked down a three from the wing, and Gordon connected from deep in the final minute to help the Eagles build a 15-10 lead after one.
Second Quarter: The Eagles continued to control the pace in the second, relying on defensive stops and free-throw opportunities to extend the margin.
Jalei Pillow finished at the rim off a Douglas assist, and
Eve Alexander scored through contact to keep FGCU's offense steady. The Eagles protected the paint with multiple blocks and limited Central Arkansas to one shot per possession, while consistent rebounding helped FGCU maintain control. FGCU carried a 31-20 advantage into halftime after holding the Bears to just 10 points in the quarter.
Third Quarter: Central Arkansas increased its pressure coming out of the break, generating a few turnovers and trimming into the lead, but FGCU answered with composure. Douglas opened the half by getting to the free-throw line, and Staton knocked down a three to restore momentum.
Cerina Rolle added energy with a steal that led to points, and the Eagles continued to defend the rim with timely blocks from Staton and Alexander. FGCU closed the quarter by earning trips to the line and managing possessions, taking a 49-34 lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: The Bears made a push in the final period, cutting into the margin with second-chance opportunities, but FGCU delivered timely answers. Rolle grabbed an offensive rebound and finished at the rim to steady the Eagles, and
Jordan Campbell buried a key three to halt the momentum. FGCU continued to rebound at a high level and convert at the free-throw line down the stretch, closing out the 64-51 win and extending its ASUN winning streak to 54 games.
FGCU shot 19-for-41 from the field and went 21-for-29 at the free-throw line while holding Central Arkansas to 16-for-61 shooting.
Sinai Douglas led the Eagles with 12 points and five assists, while
Nay Staton recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Eve Alexander added 10 points and four assists, and
Jordan Campbell provided a spark off the bench with seven points and five rebounds as FGCU moved to 2-0 in ASUN play.
Head Coach
Raina Harmon -
The Eagles hit the road to take on Austin Peay in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m., as conference play continues.
To purchase tickets to any home FGCU game, please visit this
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