CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Behind a career day from
Sinai Douglas, the Eagles held off Austin Peay for a 58-54 road win Thursday night at F&M Bank Arena. Douglas drilled a career-high six three-pointers on a perfect 6-for-6 night from deep and finished with a career-best 24 points as the Eagles improved to 3-0 in ASUN play.
RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 7-7, 3-0 ASUN | Austin Peay 10-3, 2-1 ASUN
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 58 | Austin Peay 54
LOCATION: F&M Bank
Arena | Clarksville, Tenn.
First Quarter: Austin Peay struck first with an early three, but FGCU quickly answered behind Douglas' hot shooting. Douglas buried back-to-back triples to erase an early deficit and settle the Eagles in, and
Jalei Pillow provided extra possessions with offensive rebounds that turned into points, including a tip-in to tie the game. With the quarter winding down, FGCU kept its composure at the line and got a late boost when
Anna Mortag knocked down a three in the final half-minute, helping the Eagles take a 16-12 lead after one.
Second Quarter: The Governors briefly grabbed momentum and moved in front midway through the period, but FGCU responded with timely execution on both ends. Douglas continued her rhythm from the perimeter, knocking down a three off a
Karina Gordon assist to regain the lead, and she followed later with another triple to push the advantage. The Eagles also created points off pressure, as Douglas came away with a steal and
Eve Alexander jumped a passing lane for a takeaway that led to an FGCU finish in transition. Douglas capped the half with a strong drive to the rim in the final minute, sending the Eagles into the break up 30-23.
Third Quarter: The game tightened after halftime as Austin Peay leaned on second-chance opportunities, but FGCU found answers with key stops and timely threes. Gordon opened the half with a three off a Douglas assist, and
Nay Staton connected from deep to keep the Eagles' cushion intact. Pillow delivered a momentum play defensively with a block in the lane, and Douglas stayed aggressive, drilling her fifth triple of the night before
Jordan Campbell finished a layup off a Pillow assist. Despite Austin Peay's work on the glass, FGCU carried a 41-33 lead into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: FGCU weathered a late push and made the plays it needed down the stretch. Staton opened the quarter with another three to extend the lead, and Douglas answered again from long range, hitting her sixth triple to keep the Eagles in control as Austin Peay continued to attack the paint and get to the free-throw line. The final minutes turned into a possession battle, and FGCU leaned on its defense and rebounding to close it out. Douglas added a pair of free throws in the closing seconds to help seal the 58-54 victory.
Douglas led all scorers with 24 points, shooting 8-for-11 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from three. Staton added 11 points with three triples, while Pillow posted a strong all-around line with eight rebounds, four assists, and a block.
Cerina Rolle finished with five points and five assists as FGCU improved to 7-7 overall and remained unbeaten in ASUN play.
Head Coach
Raina Harmon - "What a hard fought win today. We didn't play our best by any means, gave up too many offensive rebounds and turned it over, but we shot the ball well enough to come out with the win. Road wins aren't easy in this league, so I'm proud of the team for finding a way!"
Guard Sinai Douglas - "Overall it was a good tough game, showing that even on the road and facing adversity we can come together and fight. Our nonconference schedule is showing up in these moments and paying off for us big in these tough games!"
FGCU continues its road swing, traveling to Nashville, Tennessee to face Lipscomb on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. ET/1 p.m. CT.
To purchase tickets to any home FGCU game, please visit this link, or call (866) 342-8849.
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