FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team (16-15, 11-7 ASUN) returns to action on Monday night, hosting Loyola Chicago (15-17, 9-9 A-10) in the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament at Alico Arena. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m., as the Eagles look to open their WNIT run on a strong note and defend their home court.

Monday's matchup marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. The winner will advance to the WNIT Super 16 to face the winner of Southern Indiana and George Washington, with games scheduled for March 25-27. FGCU enters its seventh WNIT appearance and first since the 2015-16 season, when the Eagles advanced to the championship game before falling to South Dakota 71-65, while Loyola Chicago is making its first appearance in the tournament.

This second-round contest also brings together two head coaches at different points in their postseason experience. FGCU head coach Raina Harmon is making her first postseason appearance as a head coach and is one of three coaches in the WNIT in their first year at the helm. Loyola Chicago's Allison Guth is in her second postseason appearance as a head coach (first with the Ramblers) after leading Yale to a WBIT Championship during the 2017-18 season.

FGCU returns to the court after a 70-63 loss to Stetson in the ASUN Tournament Quarterfinals on March 5. The Eagles battled throughout, highlighted by a strong third quarter where they shot over 58 percent and knocked down five three-pointers, but Stetson used a late fourth-quarter push to pull away. Eve Alexander led FGCU with an efficient 18-point performance on 7-of-8 shooting while adding seven rebounds, and Anna Mortag contributed 13 points with three made threes. Cerina Rolle and Sinai Douglas each added eight points, while the Eagles received a boost from their bench with 37 points in the contest.

Loyola Chicago comes into Monday's game fresh off a 58-54 road win over Norfolk State in the WNIT First Round on March 21. The Ramblers leaned on efficient scoring and rebounding, finishing with a 46-36 edge on the glass. Brooklyn Vaughn led the way with 13 points and six rebounds, while Alex-Anne Bessette and Alexa Kinas each added 10 points. Kinas also controlled the paint with six rebounds, and Alexus Mobley recorded a team-high 11 boards as Loyola grinded out the win behind physical play and timely free throws in the fourth quarter.

On the season, FGCU has been anchored by its defensive identity, allowing just 59.0 points per game while holding opponents to 37.4 percent shooting and 26.2 percent from beyond the arc. Offensively, the Eagles average 63.6 points per game and shoot 43.1 percent from the field, including 30.8 percent from three-point range. Third Team All-ASUN honoree Douglas leads the team with 11.3 points and 3.6 assists per game, ranking among the ASUN leaders in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio, while Nay Staton adds 10.7 points per contest. The Eagles also feature balance inside with Alexander and Mortag providing scoring efficiency and rebounding presence, contributing to FGCU's 35.9 rebounds per game.

Loyola Chicago averages 56.6 points per game while shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 26.0 percent from three-point range. The Ramblers are led by Bessette, who averages 11.4 points per game and earned Third Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Rookie Team honors, along with Kinas at 10.1 points and a team-high 4.8 rebounds per game. Vaughn adds 8.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per contest, giving Loyola a versatile frontcourt presence. As a team, the Ramblers average 31.3 rebounds per game but rely heavily on effort plays and defensive pressure to stay competitive.

FGCU will look to lean on its home-court advantage inside Alico Arena, where the Eagles are 363-32 all-time and 35-3 in postseason play across the ASUN Tournament and WNIT. Despite an 8-7 record at home this season, the Eagles have historically elevated their play in March. "Home court matters this time of year," said head coach Raina Harmon. "We're fortunate to have an incredible fan base that shows up and gives Alico ENERGY, which gives us confidence and momentum. That's an edge we're going to lean on throughout this tournament."

The Eagles' defensive success has been a defining factor all season, particularly in conference play, where they held opponents to 56.4 points per game and just 25.1 percent shooting from three-point range. FGCU will look to carry that intensity into Monday's matchup, focusing on controlling the glass, protecting the paint, and limiting second-chance opportunities against a Loyola team that thrives on rebounding.

For Loyola Chicago, the focus will be on maintaining its physical style of play, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, and finding consistent offense against FGCU's disciplined defense. The Ramblers have shown resilience, winning close games down the stretch, and will look to bring that same toughness into a challenging road environment.

For FGCU, the emphasis remains on steady improvement and execution. By valuing the basketball, winning the rebounding battle, and establishing control in the paint, the Eagles aim to set the tone early and protect their home court as postseason play returns in Fort Myers.

Following Monday's contest, the winner will advance to the Super 16 round, with official game details to be announced.

FGCU GIVE DAY 2026 LAUNCHES MARCH 25 AT NOON 
FGCU's annual Give Day – a 24-hour fundraising effort designed to support student-athletes, the 15 Division I sport programs and key priorities across FGCU athletics – launches at Noon on March 25. Help support Your Hometown Team by making your gift during the 24-hour campaign (or anytime leading up to that 24-hour span) by visiting the FGCU Athletics 2026 Give Day webpage.

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2026-27 FGCU BASKETBALL SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets for the 2026–27 FGCU Basketball season are officially on sale. To purchase or renew 2026–27 FGCU Basketball season tickets, contact the FGCU Ticket Office:
Phone: 866.FGCU.TIX (866.342.8849)
Email: Tickets@FGCU.edu
Website: FGCUTickets.com