JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team (13-13, 9-6 ASUN) hits the road Saturday afternoon to face Jacksonville (19-7, 11-4) at Swisher Gymnasium for a 2 p.m. tipoff. The matchup presents another pivotal late-season opportunity as the Eagles look to build momentum in the standings following a statement win Thursday night over ASUN-leading Eastern Kentucky.

Saturday marks the 44th all-time meeting between the programs, with FGCU holding a commanding 39-4 advantage in the series. The most recent meeting came just two weeks ago in Fort Myers on Feb. 7, when Jacksonville earned an 81-70 victory. Nay Staton recorded a career-high 25 points with five rebounds in that contest, while Sinai Douglas added 14 points and nine boards and Airah Lavy knocked down four three-pointers to finish with 12.

FGCU enters the weekend coming off one of its biggest results of the season, a 69-63 home win over ASUN-leading Eastern Kentucky on Thursday to move to 9-6 in conference play. The Eagles opened the game with a strong first quarter and held off multiple runs down the stretch, shooting efficiently from the field and converting at the free-throw line to secure the victory. Airah Lavy paced the perimeter attack with four made three-pointers and 12 points, Jalei Pillow added 11 points, and Cerina Rolle contributed 10 points with eight rebounds. Anna Mortag delivered a key performance off the bench with 14 points, while Sinai Douglas pulled down 10 rebounds as FGCU controlled the glass. The full-team effort helped the Eagles overcome a tight second half and close out the win.

Jacksonville also enters Saturday with momentum after an 84-49 home win over Queens on Thursday, improving to 11-4 in the ASUN. The Dolphins used a dominant third quarter and strong free-throw shooting to pull away, highlighted by Priscilla Williams' 25-point performance. Mychal White added 14 points, Mariah Knight scored 13, and Comari Mitchell chipped in 10 as Jacksonville showcased scoring depth and received significant production from its bench in the victory.

Statistically, FGCU has leaned on defense throughout conference play. The Eagles are allowing the fewest points in the league at 55.7 per game while holding opponents to the lowest field-goal percentage (36.1%) and three-point percentage (24.4%) in ASUN competition, along with limiting rebounding opportunities. Offensively, FGCU averages 62.7 points per game on 43.4% shooting while distributing the ball effectively with over 12 assists per contest. Sinai Douglas leads the team at 11.4 points and 3.5 assists per game, Nay Staton adds 10.6 points and ranks among the league leaders in free-throw percentage, and Cerina Rolle contributes across the stat sheet with scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. The Eagles' depth has been key, with players like Airah Lavy stretching defenses from the perimeter and Anna Mortag providing interior scoring and rim protection.

Jacksonville brings one of the more efficient offensive profiles in the conference, averaging 72.5 points per game while shooting just over 39% from the field and nearly 30% from three. The Dolphins rebound at a strong rate and generate points at the free-throw line, a major factor in their success. Priscilla Williams leads the attack at 15.3 points per game and contributes on the glass, while Tatum Brown provides versatility as a scorer and facilitator. Comari Mitchell and Mychal White add interior presence and efficiency, and the Dolphins' bench has consistently produced, giving Jacksonville the ability to maintain pace and pressure throughout games.

For FGCU, the keys remain consistent: continue improving game by game, guard the ball, limit second-chance opportunities, and play with composure. The Eagles' defensive identity will be tested against a Jacksonville team that thrives on efficiency and free-throw production, while FGCU will look to create rhythm offensively through ball movement and perimeter spacing.

Following Saturday's road contest, the Eagles return home to host North Florida on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. inside Alico Arena as the regular season enters its final stretch.

To purchase tickets to any home FGCU game, please visit this link, or call (866) 342-8849.

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