Bryson Lucas records one of his four blocks in the game as FGCU defeated New College of Florida in the Eagles' home opener at Alico Arena on Nov. 6, 2026.
Addy Schafer

Men's Basketball Patrick Walsh

Must (SE)C-TV: FGCU heads to Athens for first meeting against Georgia on SECN+

The Eagles have never played Georgia before but have faced their head coach twice

FORT MYERS, Fla. – When Florida Gulf Coast head coach Pat Chambers crafted his 2026-27 schedule, he intentionally put challenges early on to see what his team was made of and to test them early. On Monday night, another such test presents itself.

The Eagles (1-1) travel to Athens, Georgia, to face the host UGA Bulldogs (2-0) in their first meeting on the hardwood. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET with the game being broadcast live on SEC Network+ on the ESPN app.

However, this won't be the first time FGCU is facing Georgia head coach Mike White. Before then, he wasn't exactly wearing Red and Black. White was the head coach of Florida the last two times the Eagles faced the Gators, and led UF to wins in both of those contests.

Georgia has been tested early on this season, but in a different manner than FGCU. The Bulldogs cruised to wins over North Carolina Central (Nov. 2) and Presbyterian (Nov. 6), but faced three tough opponents in the preseason. UGA claimed wins over Georgia State (94-61) and Charlotte (87-67) in exhibition games, two teams that FGCU will face later this month at the Fort Myers Tip-Off, before dropping an 82-80 exhibition game at Clemson.

So far this regular season, UGA's squad have not shared with others well. The Bulldogs rank 52nd nationally in steals per game (11.0) and rank sixth in the nation in fewest turnovers per game (7.0). The ironically named Blue Cain leads UGA with 16 made field goals, ranking 56th nationally and leading the Southeastern Conference. By comparison, Bryson Lucas is even with him, also having made 16 field goals this season.

FGCU will try to replicate the success it had in its previous game against a power conference opponent, taking UCF to overtime in a 96-95 decision on Nov. 2. The Eagles have never played Georgia before, are looking for the program's first win over an SEC opponent and are 20-21 all-time when playing in the state of Georgia.
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Bryson Lucas

#5 Bryson Lucas

F
6' 7"
Fifth Year

Players Mentioned

Bryson Lucas

#5 Bryson Lucas

6' 7"
Fifth Year
F