Eagles Hit the Road for ASUN Clash with Governors

FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Eagles continue ASUN Conference action Thursday, Jan. 8, facing Austin Peay at 7 p.m. ET inside F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tenn. Both programs enter the game unbeaten in conference play, setting up an early ASUN test. The contest marks FGCU's first conference road game of the season as the Eagles look to establish consistency away from home.

FGCU enters the matchup coming off a 64-51 victory over Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 3, improving to 2-0 in ASUN action. The Eagles leaned on their defense and execution down the stretch, limiting the Sugar Bears to 26.2 percent shooting from the field while controlling the glass. Sinai Douglas finished with 12 points, five assists, and steady perimeter defense, while Nay Staton added 11 points and a team-high 10 rebounds for her second double-digit rebounding effort of conference play. Eve Alexander provided a strong presence inside with 10 points and four rebounds, and Cerina Rolle anchored the defense with two blocks as FGCU closed the game with poise at the free-throw line.

Austin Peay also enters Thursday's contest at 2-0 in conference play following an 80-55 road victory over North Florida on Jan. 3. The Governors controlled the game from the opening quarter, shooting 48.5 percent from the field and forcing 17 turnovers. Anovia Sheals led the way with 18 points on efficient shooting, while Kyra Perkins added 12 points and seven rebounds. Lameria Thomas was strong on the glass, while Jim'Miyah Branton added production across the stat sheet as Austin Peay used pace and physicality to pull away.

Through the opening stretch of the season, FGCU has averaged 64.2 points per game while holding opponents to 62.5, emphasizing defensive discipline and rebounding. The Eagles shoot 44.9 percent from the field and continue to generate offense through ball movement, averaging over 12 assists per game. Douglas leads the team in scoring and assists, while Staton and Rolle provide versatility on both ends of the floor. Alexander has been efficient around the rim, and Anna Mortag and Karina Gordon add spacing and experience on the perimeter.

Austin Peay enters the matchup averaging 70.8 points per game while shooting 45.8 percent from the floor. The Governors are active defensively and aggressive on the glass, averaging nearly 39 rebounds per contest. Sheals leads the team in scoring, while Branton and Veronaye Charlton provide consistent production in the backcourt. Perkins gives Austin Peay a physical presence inside, and Thomas has emerged as a key contributor on the boards as the Governors look to push tempo and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Thursday's contest marks the seventh all-time meeting between FGCU and Austin Peay, with the Eagles holding a perfect 6-0 record in the series. The most recent matchup came on March 8, 2025, when FGCU earned an 82-48 victory. In that meeting, Emani Jefferson led the way with 18 points, while Dolly Cairns added 15 and Khamari Mitchell-Steen chipped in 12.

For the Eagles, the focus remains on steady improvement and execution. The Eagles will look to value the basketball, limit turnovers, and set the tone defensively while continuing to hunt assists and play connected on both ends of the floor.

Following Thursday's matchup, FGCU continues its road swing, traveling to Nashville, Tenn. to face Lipscomb on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. ET.

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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Players Mentioned

#4 Dolly Cairns: S; 5' 6"; Fifth Year

#1 Emani Jefferson: S; 5' 6"; Fifth Year

#3 Cerina Rolle: S; 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior

#34 Anna Mortag: S; 6' 1"; Fifth Year

#7 Khamari Mitchell-Steen: S; 5' 7"; Senior

#0 Karina Gordon: S; 5' 9"; Sophomore

#0 Nay Staton: F; 6' 0"; Fifth Year

#11 Sinai Douglas: G; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#21 Eve Alexander: F; 6' 0"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#4 Dolly Cairns
: 5' 6"; Fifth Year
: S

#1 Emani Jefferson
: 5' 6"; Fifth Year
: S

#3 Cerina Rolle
: 5' 9"; Redshirt Junior
: S

#34 Anna Mortag
: 6' 1"; Fifth Year
: S

#7 Khamari Mitchell-Steen
: 5' 7"; Senior
: S

#0 Karina Gordon
: 5' 9"; Sophomore
: S

#0 Nay Staton
: 6' 0"; Fifth Year
: F

#11 Sinai Douglas
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#21 Eve Alexander
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: F