Junior Jalen Warren's floater with three seconds to go proved the game-winner as the FGCU men's basketball team (7-16, 4-4 A-SUN) picked up a key road win, 63-61, at Jacksonville (10-13, 3-5 A-SUN) on Thursday night at Swisher Gymnasium. The win places FGCU in a tie for fifth alongside NJIT in the A-SUN standings.
For Warren, the game-winner was his second of the season as he tallied 18 points in the game. His first game-winning shot of the season came against FAU at Alico Arena in overtime and was the No. 1 Play of the Day on ESPN's SportsCenter. The guard was particularly effective in the second half where he scored 12 of his points including the first five for FGCU out of the break.
Sophomore Caleb Catto led all scorers with 20 points for his third-straight game with 20-or-more. That marked the first time since Brandon Goodwin, now with the Atlanta Hawks, did so during the 2017-18 season (2/15, 2/17, 2/22). Catto notched 23 points at North Alabama and 21 points against NJIT bring his scoring average in A-SUN games this season up to 16.0 per contest.
"I thought tonight was a really gutsy and gritty game by our guys," said head coach Michael Fly. "Jacksonville is a tough, tough team and hard to beat when the fans in Swisher Gym get going. I was proud of the guys for continuing to fight after JU cut down our 10 point lead. Those were games we hadn't won recently. We are certainly seeing positive signs here and, as we all know, if you can play the right way at the right time of year, special things can happen."
In addition to Warren and Catto, sophomore Zach Scott scored 11 points in his first start in eight games. Junior Brian Thomas led all players with a season-high nine rebounds, while senior Tracey Hector added eight boards.
Overall, the Eagles hit 23-of-59 field goals including 10-of-28 from beyond the arc. Both Catto and Scott had three triples each. The Dolphins hit 23-of-57 going 8-of-21 from long range.
Jacksonville was led by 19 points from Destin Barnes and 10 points from David Bell.
The Eagles took a 32-28 lead into intermission after Warren hit a floater with six seconds left in the first half – part of a five-point swing to close the stanza.
In the second half, FGCU extended its lead to as many as 10, 52-42, at the 8:42 mark on a Catto triple. The Dolphins then scored 11-straight in a two-minute spurt to regain the lead. A Catto jumper followed by a Warren three and another Catto score in the paint re-extended the Eagles lead to 59-53 with 2:45 to go.
Jacksonville pulled back even to tie the game 61-61 with 17 seconds remaining. Warren's floater in the paint on the ensuing possession put the Eagles back on top. The Dolphins had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Deanthony McCallum's three-point shot from the wing was just off the mark as the Eagles took the 63-61 win.
Up Next:
The Eagles will stay on the road this weekend with a Saturday trip to Liberty which is tied for the league lead. Tip-off against the Flames is set for 7 PM and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
About Me
SCF Falls to HCC
The SCF basketball team (18-7, 4-3 Suncoast) will settle their series with a rubber match as they fell to Hillsborough (9-12, 1-5 Suncoast) 90-79. With the loss, the Manatees are now 14-17 against the Hawks. Additionally, the loss put the Manatees in third in the Suncoast.
Offensively, only two players on the Manatees reached double digit scoring. It was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the team as he finished with 32 points (12-for-21 FG, 6-for-11 3PT, 5-for-7 FT), five rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocks. Freshman Jordan Clark followed with 12 points (3-for-7 FG, 6-for-6 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Remy Robert II and freshman Marshall Kearing were the next closest to reach double digit scoring. Robert finished with nine points (4-for-7 FG, 1-for-3 3PT), two assists and a steal, while Kearing had eight points (3-for-8 FG, 2-for-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Sophomores Christnoff Scarborough and Max Bell-Ramos and freshman Michael Gavin had four points each, while redshirt freshman Jaylen Jones had three points. Scarborough added four rebounds, two steals and a block, Bell-Ramos added five rebounds and an assist and Gavin added three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jones added a rebound, an assist and a steal.
Sophomore Michael Cole led the Hawks offensively as he finished with a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds. Classmate Derrick White Jr. followed with 22 points and five rebounds, while classmate Joshua Jackmon rounded out the lineup with 16 points and nine assists.
The game started with a 6-0 run by the Hawks until a Hodge dunk put the Manatees on the board. Six minutes min into the first half, Hodge was able to cut the Hawks lead to one after a 3-pointer before Hodge gave the Manatees a 13-12 lead which was followed by a Clark floater for a 15-12 SCF lead.
The Hawks would then regain the lead and go ahead 27-19 before the Manatees started to try and creep up to cut the deficit. Eventually, the Hawks would take the first half 36-32.
At the start of the second half, the Hawks started to mount a double digit lead. The Manatees did try and continue to fight, but unfortunately the fight wasn't enough as the Manatees dropped a heart breaker.
Notes:
The team was without sophomore Isiah Dasher in the lineup. Dasher suffered an ankle injury during the game against St. Pete College. Dasher is still 99 points away from reaching 1,000 career points.
With his 32 points, Hodge now has 631 points this season and 1,228 points in his career. Hodge is 132 points away for most points in a single season and 114 away for most career points. Both record were held by James Life (762: single season record; 1,341: career points).
Other Suncoast Scores:
Polk State (17-6, 4-2 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete (10-14, 1-6 Suncoast) 95-86. The Eagles will return to action to take on Hillsborough (9-12, 1-5 Suncoast), while the Titans return home to face Impact Academy.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. Polk State (17-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. SCF (18-7, 4-3 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (9-12, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (10-14, 1-6 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees return home for the next two home games as they welcome #2 Florida Southwestern to Hal Chasey Gymnasium. The game is dubbed as Meal Sponsor Recognition Night.
Offensively, only two players on the Manatees reached double digit scoring. It was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the team as he finished with 32 points (12-for-21 FG, 6-for-11 3PT, 5-for-7 FT), five rebounds, three assists, four steals and three blocks. Freshman Jordan Clark followed with 12 points (3-for-7 FG, 6-for-6 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Remy Robert II and freshman Marshall Kearing were the next closest to reach double digit scoring. Robert finished with nine points (4-for-7 FG, 1-for-3 3PT), two assists and a steal, while Kearing had eight points (3-for-8 FG, 2-for-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Sophomores Christnoff Scarborough and Max Bell-Ramos and freshman Michael Gavin had four points each, while redshirt freshman Jaylen Jones had three points. Scarborough added four rebounds, two steals and a block, Bell-Ramos added five rebounds and an assist and Gavin added three rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Jones added a rebound, an assist and a steal.
Sophomore Michael Cole led the Hawks offensively as he finished with a double-double of 34 points and 11 rebounds. Classmate Derrick White Jr. followed with 22 points and five rebounds, while classmate Joshua Jackmon rounded out the lineup with 16 points and nine assists.
The game started with a 6-0 run by the Hawks until a Hodge dunk put the Manatees on the board. Six minutes min into the first half, Hodge was able to cut the Hawks lead to one after a 3-pointer before Hodge gave the Manatees a 13-12 lead which was followed by a Clark floater for a 15-12 SCF lead.
The Hawks would then regain the lead and go ahead 27-19 before the Manatees started to try and creep up to cut the deficit. Eventually, the Hawks would take the first half 36-32.
At the start of the second half, the Hawks started to mount a double digit lead. The Manatees did try and continue to fight, but unfortunately the fight wasn't enough as the Manatees dropped a heart breaker.
Notes:
The team was without sophomore Isiah Dasher in the lineup. Dasher suffered an ankle injury during the game against St. Pete College. Dasher is still 99 points away from reaching 1,000 career points.
With his 32 points, Hodge now has 631 points this season and 1,228 points in his career. Hodge is 132 points away for most points in a single season and 114 away for most career points. Both record were held by James Life (762: single season record; 1,341: career points).
Other Suncoast Scores:
Polk State (17-6, 4-2 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete (10-14, 1-6 Suncoast) 95-86. The Eagles will return to action to take on Hillsborough (9-12, 1-5 Suncoast), while the Titans return home to face Impact Academy.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. Polk State (17-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. SCF (18-7, 4-3 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (9-12, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (10-14, 1-6 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees return home for the next two home games as they welcome #2 Florida Southwestern to Hal Chasey Gymnasium. The game is dubbed as Meal Sponsor Recognition Night.
2nd Herd Travels to Hillsborough
The SCF basketball team (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast) will return on the road for Suncoast as they travel to Tampa to take on Hillsborough (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast) at the Dale Mabry Campus Wednesday night, January 29 at 7 pm.
Before I get into the preview, I want to first want to give my consolodents to the family of the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna after their death in a helicopter crash. I send my prayers out to the Bryant family and for all he did to inspire many people to be who they want to be in life with his positive messages. Rest In Peace Kobe.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off a win over St. Pete College at home where the Manatees won 79-73. This was the first series the Manatees won this season in Suncoast play so far. The Manatees are currently in second place in the Suncoast.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast)
4. SPC (10-13, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. HCC (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast)
Hodge is Ball:
For sophomore D'Moi Hodge, he's already on pace for two scoring records held by James Life: most points in a single season (762) and most career points (1,341). Hodge has 599 points this season and 1,196 in his career. Hodge need 146 points to get the all-time record and 164 for the single season record.
At the moment, the upcoming Cleveland State transfer is averaging 26 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 2.7 steals per game. Hodge had 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, one block and seven steals against SPC.
Dashing to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher had five points, one rebound, one assist and two steals in the game against SPC, but paid a price after an ankle injury stopped him for the rest of the game. Nevertheless, Dasher is still averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and four assists per game.
After getting the five points, the Jersey City native has 901 career points and needs 99 to become the third player to reach 1,000 career points and the second active member this season (Hodge was the first).
Big Time, Big Guys:
The duo of freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborough continue their path playing their roles as the big men.
Kearing is averaging 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Against SPC, Kearing had 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a new season-high eight blocks. while Scarborough had 11 points and six rebounds. Kearing currently has six double-doubles in his name.
Fresh First Start:
After be inactive for the games for four straight games due to a personal reason, freshman Michael Gavin earned his first start of the season against SPC. Gavin had 12 points, two assists and two steals. Currently Gavin is averaging 5.8 points per game.
En Guard:
freshman Jordan Clark, redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon and sophomore Max Bell-Ramos continue to do their roles in the rotation.
Clark is currently averaging 11.7 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Clark had 11 points, one rebound and two assists against SPC.
McCutcheon did not play against SPC, but is still averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 assists per game.
Bell-Ramos is currently averaging 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Bell-Ramos had two points and one rebound against SPC.
Scouting Hillsborough:
The Hawks are coming off of a 94-71 loss to #2 FSW. They currently sit in last place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Michael Cole leads the team averaging 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Cole had a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds and one block.
Despite being held to two points and five assists against FSW, sophomore Derrick White Jr. follows averaging 9.7 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Series History:
The Manatees are 14-16 against the Hawks. The Manatees played HCC earlier in the season at home winning by a score of 91-84.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can also keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
HCC: @HCCFLAthletics
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off a win over St. Pete College at home where the Manatees won 79-73. This was the first series the Manatees won this season in Suncoast play so far. The Manatees are currently in second place in the Suncoast.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast)
4. SPC (10-13, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. HCC (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast)
Hodge is Ball:
For sophomore D'Moi Hodge, he's already on pace for two scoring records held by James Life: most points in a single season (762) and most career points (1,341). Hodge has 599 points this season and 1,196 in his career. Hodge need 146 points to get the all-time record and 164 for the single season record.
At the moment, the upcoming Cleveland State transfer is averaging 26 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 2.7 steals per game. Hodge had 22 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, one block and seven steals against SPC.
Dashing to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher had five points, one rebound, one assist and two steals in the game against SPC, but paid a price after an ankle injury stopped him for the rest of the game. Nevertheless, Dasher is still averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and four assists per game.
After getting the five points, the Jersey City native has 901 career points and needs 99 to become the third player to reach 1,000 career points and the second active member this season (Hodge was the first).
Big Time, Big Guys:
The duo of freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborough continue their path playing their roles as the big men.
Kearing is averaging 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Against SPC, Kearing had 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a new season-high eight blocks. while Scarborough had 11 points and six rebounds. Kearing currently has six double-doubles in his name.
Fresh First Start:
After be inactive for the games for four straight games due to a personal reason, freshman Michael Gavin earned his first start of the season against SPC. Gavin had 12 points, two assists and two steals. Currently Gavin is averaging 5.8 points per game.
En Guard:
freshman Jordan Clark, redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon and sophomore Max Bell-Ramos continue to do their roles in the rotation.
Clark is currently averaging 11.7 points, four rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Clark had 11 points, one rebound and two assists against SPC.
McCutcheon did not play against SPC, but is still averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 assists per game.
Bell-Ramos is currently averaging 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. Bell-Ramos had two points and one rebound against SPC.
Scouting Hillsborough:
The Hawks are coming off of a 94-71 loss to #2 FSW. They currently sit in last place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Michael Cole leads the team averaging 15.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Cole had a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds and one block.
Despite being held to two points and five assists against FSW, sophomore Derrick White Jr. follows averaging 9.7 points and 3.1 assists per game.
Series History:
The Manatees are 14-16 against the Hawks. The Manatees played HCC earlier in the season at home winning by a score of 91-84.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can also keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
HCC: @HCCFLAthletics
SCF Baseball Opens Neutral Win Over FSW
The SCF baseball team (1-0) opened up their season in success as they defeated Florida Southwestern (0-1) 6-2 at the CoolToday Park in Venice. The game did not count towards either teams conference record. With the win, the Manatees are now 17-8 against the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers will return home and welcome ASA Miami Friday afternoon, January 31 at 4 pm at City of Palms Park.
For the game, head coach Tim Hill II sent freshman Danny Batcher to the mound, while FSW head coach Ben Bizier sent sophomore Enrique Cotto to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless, the Buccaneers would get on the board first at the top of the third after freshman Axel Melendez hit a solo shot to right to make it 1-0 FSW. In the bottom of the third, the Manatees answered back in retaliation. After a one-out double by freshman Owen Ayers, sophomore Nick Winkelmeyer would send him home while reaching on an error before being called out at second.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would take the lead. After back-to-back singles by sophomores Jamarcus Lyons and John Malcom, and a one-out walk drawn by classmate Aaron McKeithan to load the bases, classmate AJ Fritz would send Lyons home to make it 2-1 SCF on a sacrifice fly to center.
After a scoreless fifth, the Manatees continued to extend their lead in the bottom of the sixth. After Lyons drew a leadoff walk, Malcom would send Lyons home with a single to left to make it 3-1 SCF before being called out at second trying to stretch a single into a double before freshman Jacob Steinberg hit a one-out single of his own. Following a McKeithan strikeout, Fritz would draw a walk before freshman Richard Rodriguez hit an infield single to load the bases for Ayers. Ayers would draw a walk and send Steinberg home for a 4-1 SCF lead. Sophomore Rook Ellington would then extend the Manatees lead to 6-1 with a bases-loaded two-run single to send Fritz and Rodriguez home.
At the top of the ninth, the Buccaneers would bring in one more run after sophomore Warnner Rincones scored on a Rodriguez fielding error, but it was all the Buccaneers could produce as the Manatees pulled away with the win.
Batcher and Cotto would both earn a no-decision after they both threw one scoreless inning with one strikeout each.
Freshman Michael Dorso would be credited with the win after throwing a 1.2 scoreless innings giving up one hit with one strikeout.
Sophomores Grady Martin, Jake Smith and Logan Fraiser and freshmen Clay Callan, David Barrett and Steinberg each contributed in relief for pitching. Martin and Barrett gave up the Buccaneers only two runs.
Redshirt freshmen Ty Burton would be credited with the loss for the Buccaneers after giving up one unearned run on three hits with one strikeout in two innings. Redshirt freshman Danny Galvan, sophomores Robert Wegielnik, Marc Davis and Brendan Koester and freshman Alan Mercado also contributed in the Buccaneers pitching rotation.
Malcolm went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Ellington went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Malcom was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game, while Ellington had the only multi-RBI game.
Rincones had the Buccaneers only multi-hit game as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Notes:
Ayers, Batcher, Lyons, Malcom, McKeithan, Fritz, Steinberg, Rodriguez, Ellington, Smith, Dorso, Callan and Barrett all made their debuts for the Manatees. Batcher (West Virginia), Lyons (UCF), Malcolm (Vanderbilt), McKeithan (Tulane), Fritz (Evansville), Ellington (Kentucky) and Smith (UNC) all transferred from NCAA DI schools with Batcher, Malcom, Ellington and Smith coming from a Power 5 conference school.
Other Suncoast Scores:
Hillsborough (0-1) opened their season at home as they fell to Eastern Florida State 4-2 in eight innings. The Hawks will travel to Melbourne for a rematch with EFSC Wednesday night, January 29 at 6 pm.
Polk State (1-2) opened their season with a split Friday January 24 against ASA Miami. The Eagles won the first game 7-0 before losing the second game by a score of 2-0 in which both game ended in seven innings. The Eagles would then lose to NJCAA DII Pasco-Hernando State 10-7. The Eagles will travel to Melbourne to take on EFSC Friday night, January 31 at 4 pm.
South Florida State College will open their season at home Friday afternoon, January 31 at 4 pm. The Panthers will welcome the IMG Academy Post-Grad team.
St. Pete College will open their season in Auburndale as they will face Northwest Florida State Friday morning, January 31 at 11 am.
Up Next:
The Manatees will travel to neutral grounds again as they head to Fort Myers this weekend to play at City of Palms Park. The Manatees will face Broward College (Jan. 31 @ 7 pm), Gulf Coast State (2-0) (Feb. 1 @ 7 pm) and #5 Chipola College (1-0) (February 2 @ 1 pm).
For the game, head coach Tim Hill II sent freshman Danny Batcher to the mound, while FSW head coach Ben Bizier sent sophomore Enrique Cotto to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless, the Buccaneers would get on the board first at the top of the third after freshman Axel Melendez hit a solo shot to right to make it 1-0 FSW. In the bottom of the third, the Manatees answered back in retaliation. After a one-out double by freshman Owen Ayers, sophomore Nick Winkelmeyer would send him home while reaching on an error before being called out at second.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would take the lead. After back-to-back singles by sophomores Jamarcus Lyons and John Malcom, and a one-out walk drawn by classmate Aaron McKeithan to load the bases, classmate AJ Fritz would send Lyons home to make it 2-1 SCF on a sacrifice fly to center.
After a scoreless fifth, the Manatees continued to extend their lead in the bottom of the sixth. After Lyons drew a leadoff walk, Malcom would send Lyons home with a single to left to make it 3-1 SCF before being called out at second trying to stretch a single into a double before freshman Jacob Steinberg hit a one-out single of his own. Following a McKeithan strikeout, Fritz would draw a walk before freshman Richard Rodriguez hit an infield single to load the bases for Ayers. Ayers would draw a walk and send Steinberg home for a 4-1 SCF lead. Sophomore Rook Ellington would then extend the Manatees lead to 6-1 with a bases-loaded two-run single to send Fritz and Rodriguez home.
At the top of the ninth, the Buccaneers would bring in one more run after sophomore Warnner Rincones scored on a Rodriguez fielding error, but it was all the Buccaneers could produce as the Manatees pulled away with the win.
Batcher and Cotto would both earn a no-decision after they both threw one scoreless inning with one strikeout each.
Freshman Michael Dorso would be credited with the win after throwing a 1.2 scoreless innings giving up one hit with one strikeout.
Sophomores Grady Martin, Jake Smith and Logan Fraiser and freshmen Clay Callan, David Barrett and Steinberg each contributed in relief for pitching. Martin and Barrett gave up the Buccaneers only two runs.
Redshirt freshmen Ty Burton would be credited with the loss for the Buccaneers after giving up one unearned run on three hits with one strikeout in two innings. Redshirt freshman Danny Galvan, sophomores Robert Wegielnik, Marc Davis and Brendan Koester and freshman Alan Mercado also contributed in the Buccaneers pitching rotation.
Malcolm went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Ellington went 1-for-4 with two RBI. Malcom was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game, while Ellington had the only multi-RBI game.
Rincones had the Buccaneers only multi-hit game as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored.
Notes:
Ayers, Batcher, Lyons, Malcom, McKeithan, Fritz, Steinberg, Rodriguez, Ellington, Smith, Dorso, Callan and Barrett all made their debuts for the Manatees. Batcher (West Virginia), Lyons (UCF), Malcolm (Vanderbilt), McKeithan (Tulane), Fritz (Evansville), Ellington (Kentucky) and Smith (UNC) all transferred from NCAA DI schools with Batcher, Malcom, Ellington and Smith coming from a Power 5 conference school.
Other Suncoast Scores:
Hillsborough (0-1) opened their season at home as they fell to Eastern Florida State 4-2 in eight innings. The Hawks will travel to Melbourne for a rematch with EFSC Wednesday night, January 29 at 6 pm.
Polk State (1-2) opened their season with a split Friday January 24 against ASA Miami. The Eagles won the first game 7-0 before losing the second game by a score of 2-0 in which both game ended in seven innings. The Eagles would then lose to NJCAA DII Pasco-Hernando State 10-7. The Eagles will travel to Melbourne to take on EFSC Friday night, January 31 at 4 pm.
South Florida State College will open their season at home Friday afternoon, January 31 at 4 pm. The Panthers will welcome the IMG Academy Post-Grad team.
St. Pete College will open their season in Auburndale as they will face Northwest Florida State Friday morning, January 31 at 11 am.
Up Next:
The Manatees will travel to neutral grounds again as they head to Fort Myers this weekend to play at City of Palms Park. The Manatees will face Broward College (Jan. 31 @ 7 pm), Gulf Coast State (2-0) (Feb. 1 @ 7 pm) and #5 Chipola College (1-0) (February 2 @ 1 pm).
FGCU WBB vs NJIT Recap
Redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles led all scorers with 22 points as the No. 28 FGCU women's basketball team (20-2, 7-0 A-SUN) defeated NJIT (3-16, 0-6 A-SUN) on Saturday inside Alico Arena. The Eagles have won nine straight overall and pushed the nation's third-longest conference winning streak to 35 straight.
"I was really pleased with our defensive intensity in the first quarter," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We definitely picked it up a notch and made a lot of defensive plays. We didn't give up very many good looks at the basket. We're trying to increase how long we're able to keep that type of intensity going, but that was a step in the right direction."
The Eagles not only forced a season-high in turnovers against a Division I opponent this year with 27, but they held an A-SUN opponent under 40 points for the 20th time since joining the conference in 2007-08. Three of the past four such performances have come against NJIT. Furthermore, the team's three points allowed in the first quarter is tied for the fifth-fewest allowed in any quarter in program history, and it was the second fewest given up in an opening quarter.
With the victory, FGCU clinched its 16th-straight season with at least 20 victories. Now, they'll look to extend their streak of seasons with at least 25 victories to 10 straight.
Jewett-Giles finished with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting while adding four rebounds, four assists and four steals. It was her eighth 20-point effort of the season and the 15th of her career. She now has 1,277 points in her NCAA career, which moves her past Kelsey Jacobson (1,263, 2008-12) for sixth-most by a player to wear the Green and Blue.
Redshirt senior Davion Wingate added 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting off the bench. Similar to Jewett-Giles, she also moved up the NCAA scoring list among players to wear the Green and Blue, reaching 1,241 and surpassing Taylor Gradinjan (1,234, 2012-18) for eighth-place.
Redshirt junior Kerstie Phills and redshirt sophomore Emma List added nine and eight points, respectively. For List, it was the most points she has scored in an FGCU uniform. Senior Tytionia Adderly tied List for the team-high in rebounds with five and added four steals. She also made her 112th career start, breaking a tie for third-most in program history with Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12).
After the first 10 minutes in which FGCU outscored NJIT 18-3, the Green and Blue took a 20-point lead for the first time following a three-point play from Wingate with 50 seconds left in the half. A 51-24 game through three, the two teams combined for 46 points in the final frame.
That late scoring surge allowed 12 players to reach the scoring column, and the Green and Blue finished 11-for-36 from 3-point range, which was the team's 14th game with double-digit makes this year.
FGCU produced a new-look starting lineup as redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal and redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox made their first starts of the season. O'Neal scored five points and contributed a pair of steals as the Eagles improved to 10-1 in Alico Arena this year, improving their all-time record at home to 276-20 since 2002-03.
The Eagles will now have a week to prepare for a tough road matchup against Liberty next Saturday at 2 p.m.
"I was really pleased with our defensive intensity in the first quarter," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We definitely picked it up a notch and made a lot of defensive plays. We didn't give up very many good looks at the basket. We're trying to increase how long we're able to keep that type of intensity going, but that was a step in the right direction."
The Eagles not only forced a season-high in turnovers against a Division I opponent this year with 27, but they held an A-SUN opponent under 40 points for the 20th time since joining the conference in 2007-08. Three of the past four such performances have come against NJIT. Furthermore, the team's three points allowed in the first quarter is tied for the fifth-fewest allowed in any quarter in program history, and it was the second fewest given up in an opening quarter.
With the victory, FGCU clinched its 16th-straight season with at least 20 victories. Now, they'll look to extend their streak of seasons with at least 25 victories to 10 straight.
Jewett-Giles finished with 22 points on 9-for-14 shooting while adding four rebounds, four assists and four steals. It was her eighth 20-point effort of the season and the 15th of her career. She now has 1,277 points in her NCAA career, which moves her past Kelsey Jacobson (1,263, 2008-12) for sixth-most by a player to wear the Green and Blue.
Redshirt senior Davion Wingate added 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting off the bench. Similar to Jewett-Giles, she also moved up the NCAA scoring list among players to wear the Green and Blue, reaching 1,241 and surpassing Taylor Gradinjan (1,234, 2012-18) for eighth-place.
Redshirt junior Kerstie Phills and redshirt sophomore Emma List added nine and eight points, respectively. For List, it was the most points she has scored in an FGCU uniform. Senior Tytionia Adderly tied List for the team-high in rebounds with five and added four steals. She also made her 112th career start, breaking a tie for third-most in program history with Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12).
After the first 10 minutes in which FGCU outscored NJIT 18-3, the Green and Blue took a 20-point lead for the first time following a three-point play from Wingate with 50 seconds left in the half. A 51-24 game through three, the two teams combined for 46 points in the final frame.
That late scoring surge allowed 12 players to reach the scoring column, and the Green and Blue finished 11-for-36 from 3-point range, which was the team's 14th game with double-digit makes this year.
FGCU produced a new-look starting lineup as redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal and redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox made their first starts of the season. O'Neal scored five points and contributed a pair of steals as the Eagles improved to 10-1 in Alico Arena this year, improving their all-time record at home to 276-20 since 2002-03.
The Eagles will now have a week to prepare for a tough road matchup against Liberty next Saturday at 2 p.m.
2nd Herd Claims Series Over SPC on Alumni Weekend
Making up for their two straight losses, the SCF basketball team (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast) pulled away with a tight knit win over St. Pete College (10-13, 1-5 Suncoast) 79-73. With the win, the Manatees are now 8-20 against the Titans and have claimed the series.
"Anytime you can claim a series over St. Pete College, that a feat in itself," said head coach Tom Parks. "Yet if you look at their record and think that they are not a good team, then you would be a fool because they are good. They have three very good guards and two bigs that will not stop rebounding no matter what. I'm surprised that they are not in the gym rebounding after the game ended. In the end it was a great job getting the series win even though it was not the best of both worlds."
"It was a good win and we came out to play," said freshman Michael Gavin on the win. "A lot of guys stepped up and it was a hard fought game, but overall we played good and executed down the stretch for the win."
"Obviously we wanted to win this game since we played them earlier in the season," said freshman Marshall Kearing. "We're thankful to claim the series over St. Pete and hopefully we'll go 3-0 against them."
Even after the win, Parks spoke high praise on St. Pete's head coach Earnest Crumbley, who enters his 21st season with the Titans.
"Earnest Crumbley can coach basketball," said Parks on Crumbley. "He is very humble, genuine, honest and will tell you how it is, but in a day he is such an unbelievable man and I wish I could have been there for the last 20 years to learn from him, but I'm glad I didn't have to coach against him for 20 years and hopefully not for another 20."
Alumni Weekend Events:
Before the game began, the SCF tennis, softball and baseball teams had their annual alumni games where alumni from different times played against the current teams. It was also a way for the alumni to get to know the current team and share their experiences with SCF.
The women's tennis team began with two returning alumni, Abby Hincker (nee Martinez) (20112-13) and Ava Schultz (2017-18). The two alum, as well as head coach Chloe Murphy (2012-14) rotated around and faced off in several double matches playing with and against the current players.
"It was awesome having people come back and past players I played with and with players I coached," said Murphy. "It was really cool to have them come out and play with the current team."
The tennis team, who finished last season 6-7 overall with a 4-6 record in conference, will begin their season at home and welcome NAIA Southeastern University.
"We're excited to start our season off at home," said Murphy on the season opener. "First couple of matches are always building to get the nerves out the girls and see what works for us and what the lineup should be like while trying to work on things that we did in practice and bringing it into the match."
Following the second annual alumni tennis match, the softball team held their annual game where the alum faced off against the current team, who finished last season 45-16 overall with a 16-4 in the Suncoast.
The alumni that came were as listed: Jaclyn Cokeroft (2012-13), Brandi Bunker (2015-16), Kassidy Neptune (2015-16), Nikki Sedivy (2015-16), Alisa 'AJ' Jackson (2015), Kayleigh Walters (2016-18), Haley McFadden (2018-19), Megan Seeds (2018-19), Sydney Parks (2018-19), Nicci Palumbo (2018-19) and SarahBeth Wengerd (2017).
Normally, the current team would usually win, but this year the alumni won winning by a score of 10-2 (yes I did keep count). I even got to partake in the softball game where I went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
"It was always fun to get together with everyone and have a good time, laugh and reminisce on the past," said Neptune.
"It was good and I was looking forward to it for a good while," said sophomore Madi LoCastro. "Me being a sophomore, I played with a lot of people that came back and I knew they were going to come back to do this. It always fun to do a loose fun game that you get to do with people that were in your shoes once and it was cool to hear their experiences with SCF and vice versa on our experiences throughout the day, which was fun."
The softball team will open their season at the two-day JUCO Kickoff Classic (January 31-February 1).
The baseball team closed with the final alumni game welcoming the baseball team from the 1970-71 school year. The baseball team, who finished 38-20 overall with a 20-11 record in the Suncoast, will open their season on neutral grounds against Florida Southwestern at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida (January 28).
"It was definitely a highlight of the year with the tradition that we have here that was second to none," said head coach Tim Hill II. "To be able to have our alums know that it's a special place and to hear them when they come back, the place meant more to them than anywhere else they been and to have them come back is such a special time as a great way to start the season."
With the festivities over with all the alum, let's fast forward to the basketball game with SCF and St. Pete in front of several Manatee Maniacs and fans in attendance, including the SCF president Dr. Carol Probstfeld.
Five players scored in double figures and it was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the Manatees as he finished with 22 points (7-for-22 FG, 3-for-9 3PT, 5-for-6 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, seven steals and a block.
Kearing followed with 16 points (7-for-8 FG, 1-for-1 3PT, 1-for-2 FT), five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a new season-high eight blocks.
"I started off slow in the first half because I wasn't in my routine to get ready," said Kearing on his performance. "It changed up a bit before the game, but obviously I got into a groove before the end of it. The second half, it was a close game and we had to push it and I had to step up a lot more to become more aggressive.
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough had 11 points (5-for-8 FG, 1-for-2 FT), six rebounds and two steals off the bench.
"I think I played my role really well," said Scarborough. "I rebounded and scored when I needed to."
Freshman Michael Gavin, who earned his first career start, had 12 points (5-for-12 FG, 1-for-5 3PT, 1-for-1 FT), two assists, a steal and a block. Gavin was not in attendance the last three games due to personal reasons.
"It felt great just getting in the rhythm," said Gavin on his first start. "I got to set up my teammates, get a couple of buckets and just do whatever I can to help out the team."
"Overall I had a solid game," continued Gavin. "I did have some nice plays, key passes, a couple of layups and did what coach Parks wanted me to do and I executed it."
"After the Polk loss, I found myself saying a lot of things out loud about when to take shots," said Parks. "If I'm asking D'Moi (Hodge) to pass the ball more, then other guys need to be ready to shoot and need to get into the gym and making shots."
"Mike (Gavin) is probably the only person on this team that has not gotten a fair chance," said Parks on staring Gavin. "It's not because he did anything wrong, it's because I have 200 minutes in the game and I have to figure out where to disperse those 200 minutes and when you have players like D'Moi Hodge, who take up a fifth of those minutes every single night, it doesn't leave a lot of minutes from the guards standpoint. Mike has all the tools to be a threat offensively. He's got very good range and can create his own shot, but he is also a sneaky passer. Not many can realize that he can pass, especially when he made a pass to D'Moi in the corner, which was beautiful. I'm happy he stepped up regardless and keep going with him."
Freshman Jordan Clark rounded out the lineup with 11 points (3-for-8 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 4-for-7 FT), one rebound, six assists and two steals.
Despite injuring his ankle and not being able to finish the rest of the game, sophomore Isiah Dasher was still able to finish with five points (2-for-6 FG, 1-for-3 3PT), one rebound, two assists and a steal.
Sophomores Max Bell-Ramos (two points and two rebounds) and Remy Robert II (one rebound). Bell-Ramos was one of the only two players off the bench to score (Scarborough was the other).
For the Titans, four players scored in double figures. Freshman Damon Davis led the way with 21 points and seven steals before fouling out in the second half. Sophomore Kobie Johnson followed with 17 points and four rebounds, while classmate Bryan Williams added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Sophomore Keondre Jackson rounded out the lineup with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng was held to five points but added 13 rebounds, while classmate Jaylen Bates was the only player off the bench that scored as he had five points.
The game started with Gavin opening the scoreboard with a layup off of a steal and assist by Hodge which was then followed by a Dasher 3-pointer for a 5-0 lead until a 3-pointer by Johnson opened the gates for the Titans and soon a layup by Jackson gave the Titans a 7-5 lead.
For the remaining 15 minutes, both teams went back and forth tying and regaining the lead. In the final possession of the first half, Hodge was fouled at the 3-point and made a successful 3-pointer but was unable to convert the and-one as the Titans took the lead in the first half 36-35.
"Parks got on me about being a good player," said Kearing on halftime. "He said he was going to make me play outside and show my true talent when I play and that helped me realize how I was suppose to play to my potential."
At the start of the second quarter, Dasher gave the Manatees the lead with a mid-range shot before both teams yet again exchanged ties and lead changes throughout the game and then around 13 minutes left in the game, Dasher injured his ankle and did not return for the rest of the game.
"Zay (Dasher) is a really tough individual," said Parks on Dasher. "I can tell on his face that he's hurt because if he wasn't hurt, he would have enjoyed this more, but I know he was hurt and I know he wasn't enjoying this win as much because he's worried he does not when he's going to be back."
*Side Note: This led to the Manatees turnaround of when one of the key players gets hurt, they retaliate by fighting for that key players.
Around 10 minutes, with the score 53-52 SCF, Kearing would make a big block before the Titans tried to take advantage off a steal by Davis only to be chase blocked by Hodge. After a Jackson rebound and put back attempt, it was blocked by Gavin.
"We had to lock in defensively," said Gavin on the turnaround of the game. "We were going back and forth with St. Pete and then we focused in a couple plays, got a couple of buckets and stops that gave us a little breathing room at the end for the win."
Even with Dasher out, Parks was able to utilize his big men in Kearing and Scarborough with their constant rebounding and Hodge adding three free throws, the Manatees were able to get the win for the series.
"The game was a physical and rough game," said Scarborough on the game. "It felt more like a rebounding game though."
Notes:
With his 22 points, Hodge has now pushed his season scoring amount to 599 and 1,196 career points. Hodge is 164 away from breaking the all-time single season record and 145 away from having the most career points in program history. Both records were held by James Life (762, single season; 1,341, career). The double-double was his fourth this season and 11th of his career.
Despite having only five points before getting injured, Dasher now has 901 in his career and is 99 away from reaching 1,000 career points and being the second active player this season to do so.
Parks confirmed that he had signed five players for the next season: Kwo Agwa, Michael Hatcher, DK Kelly, Javon Bell and Hunter Madden.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast) 94-71. The Buccaneers will play SCF February 1 at 4 pm.
Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast) defeated Impact Academy 107-65. The Eagles will SPC Wednesday night, January 29 at 7 pm.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast)
4. SPC (10-13, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. HCC (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees will return on the road for Suncoast play as they travel to Tampa to take on Hillsborough Wednesday night, January 29 at 7 pm.
"Anytime you can claim a series over St. Pete College, that a feat in itself," said head coach Tom Parks. "Yet if you look at their record and think that they are not a good team, then you would be a fool because they are good. They have three very good guards and two bigs that will not stop rebounding no matter what. I'm surprised that they are not in the gym rebounding after the game ended. In the end it was a great job getting the series win even though it was not the best of both worlds."
"It was a good win and we came out to play," said freshman Michael Gavin on the win. "A lot of guys stepped up and it was a hard fought game, but overall we played good and executed down the stretch for the win."
"Obviously we wanted to win this game since we played them earlier in the season," said freshman Marshall Kearing. "We're thankful to claim the series over St. Pete and hopefully we'll go 3-0 against them."
Even after the win, Parks spoke high praise on St. Pete's head coach Earnest Crumbley, who enters his 21st season with the Titans.
"Earnest Crumbley can coach basketball," said Parks on Crumbley. "He is very humble, genuine, honest and will tell you how it is, but in a day he is such an unbelievable man and I wish I could have been there for the last 20 years to learn from him, but I'm glad I didn't have to coach against him for 20 years and hopefully not for another 20."
Alumni Weekend Events:
Before the game began, the SCF tennis, softball and baseball teams had their annual alumni games where alumni from different times played against the current teams. It was also a way for the alumni to get to know the current team and share their experiences with SCF.
The women's tennis team began with two returning alumni, Abby Hincker (nee Martinez) (20112-13) and Ava Schultz (2017-18). The two alum, as well as head coach Chloe Murphy (2012-14) rotated around and faced off in several double matches playing with and against the current players.
"It was awesome having people come back and past players I played with and with players I coached," said Murphy. "It was really cool to have them come out and play with the current team."
The tennis team, who finished last season 6-7 overall with a 4-6 record in conference, will begin their season at home and welcome NAIA Southeastern University.
"We're excited to start our season off at home," said Murphy on the season opener. "First couple of matches are always building to get the nerves out the girls and see what works for us and what the lineup should be like while trying to work on things that we did in practice and bringing it into the match."
Following the second annual alumni tennis match, the softball team held their annual game where the alum faced off against the current team, who finished last season 45-16 overall with a 16-4 in the Suncoast.
The alumni that came were as listed: Jaclyn Cokeroft (2012-13), Brandi Bunker (2015-16), Kassidy Neptune (2015-16), Nikki Sedivy (2015-16), Alisa 'AJ' Jackson (2015), Kayleigh Walters (2016-18), Haley McFadden (2018-19), Megan Seeds (2018-19), Sydney Parks (2018-19), Nicci Palumbo (2018-19) and SarahBeth Wengerd (2017).
Normally, the current team would usually win, but this year the alumni won winning by a score of 10-2 (yes I did keep count). I even got to partake in the softball game where I went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored.
"It was always fun to get together with everyone and have a good time, laugh and reminisce on the past," said Neptune.
"It was good and I was looking forward to it for a good while," said sophomore Madi LoCastro. "Me being a sophomore, I played with a lot of people that came back and I knew they were going to come back to do this. It always fun to do a loose fun game that you get to do with people that were in your shoes once and it was cool to hear their experiences with SCF and vice versa on our experiences throughout the day, which was fun."
The softball team will open their season at the two-day JUCO Kickoff Classic (January 31-February 1).
The baseball team closed with the final alumni game welcoming the baseball team from the 1970-71 school year. The baseball team, who finished 38-20 overall with a 20-11 record in the Suncoast, will open their season on neutral grounds against Florida Southwestern at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida (January 28).
"It was definitely a highlight of the year with the tradition that we have here that was second to none," said head coach Tim Hill II. "To be able to have our alums know that it's a special place and to hear them when they come back, the place meant more to them than anywhere else they been and to have them come back is such a special time as a great way to start the season."
With the festivities over with all the alum, let's fast forward to the basketball game with SCF and St. Pete in front of several Manatee Maniacs and fans in attendance, including the SCF president Dr. Carol Probstfeld.
Five players scored in double figures and it was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the Manatees as he finished with 22 points (7-for-22 FG, 3-for-9 3PT, 5-for-6 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, seven steals and a block.
Kearing followed with 16 points (7-for-8 FG, 1-for-1 3PT, 1-for-2 FT), five rebounds, five assists, three steals and a new season-high eight blocks.
"I started off slow in the first half because I wasn't in my routine to get ready," said Kearing on his performance. "It changed up a bit before the game, but obviously I got into a groove before the end of it. The second half, it was a close game and we had to push it and I had to step up a lot more to become more aggressive.
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough had 11 points (5-for-8 FG, 1-for-2 FT), six rebounds and two steals off the bench.
"I think I played my role really well," said Scarborough. "I rebounded and scored when I needed to."
Freshman Michael Gavin, who earned his first career start, had 12 points (5-for-12 FG, 1-for-5 3PT, 1-for-1 FT), two assists, a steal and a block. Gavin was not in attendance the last three games due to personal reasons.
"It felt great just getting in the rhythm," said Gavin on his first start. "I got to set up my teammates, get a couple of buckets and just do whatever I can to help out the team."
"Overall I had a solid game," continued Gavin. "I did have some nice plays, key passes, a couple of layups and did what coach Parks wanted me to do and I executed it."
"After the Polk loss, I found myself saying a lot of things out loud about when to take shots," said Parks. "If I'm asking D'Moi (Hodge) to pass the ball more, then other guys need to be ready to shoot and need to get into the gym and making shots."
"Mike (Gavin) is probably the only person on this team that has not gotten a fair chance," said Parks on staring Gavin. "It's not because he did anything wrong, it's because I have 200 minutes in the game and I have to figure out where to disperse those 200 minutes and when you have players like D'Moi Hodge, who take up a fifth of those minutes every single night, it doesn't leave a lot of minutes from the guards standpoint. Mike has all the tools to be a threat offensively. He's got very good range and can create his own shot, but he is also a sneaky passer. Not many can realize that he can pass, especially when he made a pass to D'Moi in the corner, which was beautiful. I'm happy he stepped up regardless and keep going with him."
Freshman Jordan Clark rounded out the lineup with 11 points (3-for-8 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 4-for-7 FT), one rebound, six assists and two steals.
Despite injuring his ankle and not being able to finish the rest of the game, sophomore Isiah Dasher was still able to finish with five points (2-for-6 FG, 1-for-3 3PT), one rebound, two assists and a steal.
Sophomores Max Bell-Ramos (two points and two rebounds) and Remy Robert II (one rebound). Bell-Ramos was one of the only two players off the bench to score (Scarborough was the other).
For the Titans, four players scored in double figures. Freshman Damon Davis led the way with 21 points and seven steals before fouling out in the second half. Sophomore Kobie Johnson followed with 17 points and four rebounds, while classmate Bryan Williams added 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Sophomore Keondre Jackson rounded out the lineup with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng was held to five points but added 13 rebounds, while classmate Jaylen Bates was the only player off the bench that scored as he had five points.
The game started with Gavin opening the scoreboard with a layup off of a steal and assist by Hodge which was then followed by a Dasher 3-pointer for a 5-0 lead until a 3-pointer by Johnson opened the gates for the Titans and soon a layup by Jackson gave the Titans a 7-5 lead.
For the remaining 15 minutes, both teams went back and forth tying and regaining the lead. In the final possession of the first half, Hodge was fouled at the 3-point and made a successful 3-pointer but was unable to convert the and-one as the Titans took the lead in the first half 36-35.
"Parks got on me about being a good player," said Kearing on halftime. "He said he was going to make me play outside and show my true talent when I play and that helped me realize how I was suppose to play to my potential."
At the start of the second quarter, Dasher gave the Manatees the lead with a mid-range shot before both teams yet again exchanged ties and lead changes throughout the game and then around 13 minutes left in the game, Dasher injured his ankle and did not return for the rest of the game.
"Zay (Dasher) is a really tough individual," said Parks on Dasher. "I can tell on his face that he's hurt because if he wasn't hurt, he would have enjoyed this more, but I know he was hurt and I know he wasn't enjoying this win as much because he's worried he does not when he's going to be back."
*Side Note: This led to the Manatees turnaround of when one of the key players gets hurt, they retaliate by fighting for that key players.
Around 10 minutes, with the score 53-52 SCF, Kearing would make a big block before the Titans tried to take advantage off a steal by Davis only to be chase blocked by Hodge. After a Jackson rebound and put back attempt, it was blocked by Gavin.
"We had to lock in defensively," said Gavin on the turnaround of the game. "We were going back and forth with St. Pete and then we focused in a couple plays, got a couple of buckets and stops that gave us a little breathing room at the end for the win."
Even with Dasher out, Parks was able to utilize his big men in Kearing and Scarborough with their constant rebounding and Hodge adding three free throws, the Manatees were able to get the win for the series.
"The game was a physical and rough game," said Scarborough on the game. "It felt more like a rebounding game though."
Notes:
With his 22 points, Hodge has now pushed his season scoring amount to 599 and 1,196 career points. Hodge is 164 away from breaking the all-time single season record and 145 away from having the most career points in program history. Both records were held by James Life (762, single season; 1,341, career). The double-double was his fourth this season and 11th of his career.
Despite having only five points before getting injured, Dasher now has 901 in his career and is 99 away from reaching 1,000 career points and being the second active player this season to do so.
Parks confirmed that he had signed five players for the next season: Kwo Agwa, Michael Hatcher, DK Kelly, Javon Bell and Hunter Madden.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast) 94-71. The Buccaneers will play SCF February 1 at 4 pm.
Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast) defeated Impact Academy 107-65. The Eagles will SPC Wednesday night, January 29 at 7 pm.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (23-1, 6-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (18-6, 4-2 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (16-6, 3-2 Suncoast)
4. SPC (10-13, 1-5 Suncoast)
5. HCC (8-12, 0-5 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees will return on the road for Suncoast play as they travel to Tampa to take on Hillsborough Wednesday night, January 29 at 7 pm.
2nd Herd Welcomes SPC for Alumni Weekend
After being on the road the last two home games, the SCF basketball team (17-6, 3-2 Suncoast) return home as they welcome St. Pete (10-12, 1-4 Suncoast) to Hal Chasey Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, January 25 at 4 pm. Should SCF claim the game, then they would win the overall series. If SPC wins, then the series will
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of traveling to Winter Park where they fell to Polk State 77-72. Despite the loss, the Manatees remain in second place in the Suncoast.
Alumni Weekend:
This game will be featured as a part of the annual Alumni Weekend. Prior to the game, the Manatees will have their annual alumni golf tournament which is followed by the hall of fame induction ceremony that will feature four new inductees: Kelly Bradley Grant, Ken Green, Mariana Palacios and Keith Smith. Those two events will occur on Friday, January 24.
On the same day before the game, SCF will be hosting three alumni weekend games for tennis, softball and baseball. All alumni will be taking on the current players for the 2020 season.
Tennis, hosted by head coach Chloe Murphy, will open the second annual alumni match at 10 am where the current team of sophomores Sara Ramirez-Goncalves and Britain 'Brie' Botsford, redshirt freshmen Alexis Booker and Mackenzie Vraspir and true freshmen Allie Beck, Karla Menedez, Olivia Sabo and Martina Shakhnazorova will go against alumni players from the past.
Following the alumni tennis match, the softball team will follow with their annual alumni softball game against the 2020 softball team at 11 am. This would be host by head coach Mandy Schuerman.
The last event before the basketball game is the alumni baseball game at 2 pm, hosted by head coach Tim Hill II.
Tropical Storm Hodge:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his strong role offensively and defensively. Hodge is averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Hodge had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds while adding two assists, five steals and three blocks against against Polk State.
Hodge will be closing in on setting two SCF basketball records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (762) and most points in a career (1,341). Hodge has 577 points this season and 1,174 in his career. He needs 186 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 168 to hold the all-time scoring record.
A Little Dasher of 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is currently averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and four assists per game. Against Polk State, the New Jersey native led the Manatees offense with 24 points, nine rebounds and one assist with 12 of his points being at the free throw line. In his career, Dasher has 896 career points and needs 104 to become the third player to reach 1,000 career points and the second active this season.
From Down Under to Scarborough Fair:
Freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborugh continue to do their part as the big man roles while rotating in the lineup. Kearing is averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Against Polk State, Kearing had his sixth double-double as he had 13 points and 11 rebounds to go along with two blocks while Scarborough had eight points and seven rebounds.
Guard Life:
Freshman Jordan Clark is averaging 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game despite scoring only five points with seven rebounds and two assists against Polk State.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon is averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 assists per game. McCutcheon had four points and an assist against Polk State.
Scouting SPC:
The Titans are coming off of falling to #2 FSW by a score of 76-53 and are currently in fourth place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Kobie Johnson leads the team averaging 16.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Johnson was held to seven points and four rebounds against FSW.
Freshman Bryan Williams follows along averaging 15.1 points, four assists and 2.1 steals per game, while classmate Damon Davis averages 10.1 points and 3.6 assists per game. Against FSW, Williams had 20 points and two steals while Davis had 17 points, one assists and five steals.
As far as rebounding, freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng is averaging 6.6 rebounds per game to go alone with 6.8 points per game. Against FSW, Bayi Ba Mandeng was held to four points and two rebounds.
Series History (2012-present):
Overall, the Manatees are 7-20 against the Titans. Last time, the Manatees defeated the Titans 79-72 (1/8).
Promos:
Aside from Alumni Weekend, the game against SPC will be dubbed as Manatee Maniac Night. The promo is to recognize all of the SCF Maniacs that have attended the games.
How to Keep Up:
The game will air on the SCF Sports Network. Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
SPC: @SPCMBasketball
Livestream Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of traveling to Winter Park where they fell to Polk State 77-72. Despite the loss, the Manatees remain in second place in the Suncoast.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (22-1, 5-0)
2. SCF (17-6, 3-2)
3. Polk State (15-6, 3-2)
4. SPC (10-12, 1-4)
5. HCC (8-11, 0-4)
1. #2 FSW (22-1, 5-0)
2. SCF (17-6, 3-2)
3. Polk State (15-6, 3-2)
4. SPC (10-12, 1-4)
5. HCC (8-11, 0-4)
Alumni Weekend:
This game will be featured as a part of the annual Alumni Weekend. Prior to the game, the Manatees will have their annual alumni golf tournament which is followed by the hall of fame induction ceremony that will feature four new inductees: Kelly Bradley Grant, Ken Green, Mariana Palacios and Keith Smith. Those two events will occur on Friday, January 24.
On the same day before the game, SCF will be hosting three alumni weekend games for tennis, softball and baseball. All alumni will be taking on the current players for the 2020 season.
Tennis, hosted by head coach Chloe Murphy, will open the second annual alumni match at 10 am where the current team of sophomores Sara Ramirez-Goncalves and Britain 'Brie' Botsford, redshirt freshmen Alexis Booker and Mackenzie Vraspir and true freshmen Allie Beck, Karla Menedez, Olivia Sabo and Martina Shakhnazorova will go against alumni players from the past.
Following the alumni tennis match, the softball team will follow with their annual alumni softball game against the 2020 softball team at 11 am. This would be host by head coach Mandy Schuerman.
The last event before the basketball game is the alumni baseball game at 2 pm, hosted by head coach Tim Hill II.
Tropical Storm Hodge:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his strong role offensively and defensively. Hodge is averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Hodge had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds while adding two assists, five steals and three blocks against against Polk State.
Hodge will be closing in on setting two SCF basketball records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (762) and most points in a career (1,341). Hodge has 577 points this season and 1,174 in his career. He needs 186 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 168 to hold the all-time scoring record.
A Little Dasher of 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is currently averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and four assists per game. Against Polk State, the New Jersey native led the Manatees offense with 24 points, nine rebounds and one assist with 12 of his points being at the free throw line. In his career, Dasher has 896 career points and needs 104 to become the third player to reach 1,000 career points and the second active this season.
From Down Under to Scarborough Fair:
Freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborugh continue to do their part as the big man roles while rotating in the lineup. Kearing is averaging 11.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 3.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Against Polk State, Kearing had his sixth double-double as he had 13 points and 11 rebounds to go along with two blocks while Scarborough had eight points and seven rebounds.
Guard Life:
Freshman Jordan Clark is averaging 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game despite scoring only five points with seven rebounds and two assists against Polk State.
Meanwhile, redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon is averaging 5.3 points and 3.5 assists per game. McCutcheon had four points and an assist against Polk State.
Scouting SPC:
The Titans are coming off of falling to #2 FSW by a score of 76-53 and are currently in fourth place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Kobie Johnson leads the team averaging 16.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Johnson was held to seven points and four rebounds against FSW.
Freshman Bryan Williams follows along averaging 15.1 points, four assists and 2.1 steals per game, while classmate Damon Davis averages 10.1 points and 3.6 assists per game. Against FSW, Williams had 20 points and two steals while Davis had 17 points, one assists and five steals.
As far as rebounding, freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng is averaging 6.6 rebounds per game to go alone with 6.8 points per game. Against FSW, Bayi Ba Mandeng was held to four points and two rebounds.
Series History (2012-present):
Overall, the Manatees are 7-20 against the Titans. Last time, the Manatees defeated the Titans 79-72 (1/8).
Promos:
Aside from Alumni Weekend, the game against SPC will be dubbed as Manatee Maniac Night. The promo is to recognize all of the SCF Maniacs that have attended the games.
How to Keep Up:
The game will air on the SCF Sports Network. Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
SPC: @SPCMBasketball
Livestream Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
2nd Herd Falls to Polk State
The SCF basketball team (17-6, 3-2 Suncoast) dropped a close game in Suncoast play on the road as they fell to Polk State (15-6, 3-2 Suncoast) 77-72. With the loss, the Manatees are now 12-17 against the Eagles and have split the series. The rubber game will happen Saturday afternoon, February 8 at 4 pm.
It was sophomore Isiah Dasher that led the Manatees offense. Although he was one rebound shy of a double-double, Dasher finished with 24 points (6-for-18 FG, 12-for-14 FT), nine rebounds and one assist.
It was sophomore Isiah Dasher that led the Manatees offense. Although he was one rebound shy of a double-double, Dasher finished with 24 points (6-for-18 FG, 12-for-14 FT), nine rebounds and one assist.
Sophomore D’Moi Hodge and freshman Marshall Kearing each had a double-double. Hodge had a double-double of 18 points (3-for-22 FG, 1-for-10 3PT, 11-for-15 FT) and 11 rebounds, while Kearing had a double-double of 13 points (6-for-14 FG, 1-for-4 FT) and 11 rebounds. Hodge added two assists, three blocks and five steals before fouling out, while Kearing added two blocks.
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough had eight points (4-for-7 FG), seven rebounds, one block and one steal.
Sophomores Remy Robert II (one rebound) and Max Bell-Ramos (two rebounds and one steal), redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon (four points, one assist and one steal) and freshman Jordan Clark (five points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal) also contributed for the Manatees.
Freshman VannAubrey Thomas led the Eagles offense with 20 points and two assists. Sophomore Tekorian Smith followed with 18 points, one rebound and one assist, while freshman Clearance Jackson rounded out the lineup with a double-double of 15 points and 17 rebounds with two blocks.
Notes:
Hodge’s double-double was his fourth of the season (11th in his career).
Hodge’s double-double was his fourth of the season (11th in his career).
With his 18 points, Hodge now has 577 points this season and 1,174 points in his career.
Hodge needs 186 points to break James Life’s single season points record (762) and 168 from breaking the all-time scoring record held by Life (1,341).
Kearing’s double-double was his sixth of the season.
Dasher’s 24 points now puts him at 896 in his career and needs 104 to become the third player to reach 1,000 career points and the second active this season (Hodge was the first).
Other Suncoast Scores:
#2 FSW (22-1, 5-0 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete (10-12, 1-4 Suncoast) 76-53. The Buccaneers will welcome Hillsborough (8-11, 0-4 Suncoast) Saturday afternoon, January 25 at 2 pm.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (22-1, 5-0)
2. SCF (17-6, 3-2)
3. Polk State (15-6, 3-2)
4. SPC (10-12, 1-4)
5. HCC (8-11, 0-4)
Other Suncoast Scores:
#2 FSW (22-1, 5-0 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete (10-12, 1-4 Suncoast) 76-53. The Buccaneers will welcome Hillsborough (8-11, 0-4 Suncoast) Saturday afternoon, January 25 at 2 pm.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (22-1, 5-0)
2. SCF (17-6, 3-2)
3. Polk State (15-6, 3-2)
4. SPC (10-12, 1-4)
5. HCC (8-11, 0-4)
Up Next:
The Manatees return home for their next Suncoast Game as they welcome St. Pete to Hal Chasey Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, January 25 at 4 pm. Prior to the game, it will be dubbed as 'Alumni Weekend' as there will be an golf tournament in the afternoon which will be followed by the hall of fame induction ceremony Friday night, January 24 at 6 pm. The ballot will feature four alumni: Kelly Bradley Grant, Ken Green, Mariana Palacios and Keith Smith.
On the day of the game, the tennis, softball and baseball teams will have their alumni games earlier in the day. Tennis will start it off at 10 AM and softball will follow at 11 AM before baseball closes it at 2 PM. Several alumni will take on the current athletes at SCF from all three teams.
On the day of the game, the tennis, softball and baseball teams will have their alumni games earlier in the day. Tennis will start it off at 10 AM and softball will follow at 11 AM before baseball closes it at 2 PM. Several alumni will take on the current athletes at SCF from all three teams.
FGCU WBB vs Kennesaw State Recap
Redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles produced her second-straight 20-point effort to lead the FGCU women's basketball team (19-2, 6-0 A-SUN) to an 80-63 win over Kennesaw State (8-8, 2-3 A-SUN) inside Alico Arena on Monday.
With the win, the Eagles became the first team nationally to reach 19 wins, stretched its overall winning streak to eight and have won 34 consecutive games against A-SUN competition. They are now 26-2 all-time against Kennesaw State with wins in 20 straight. FGCU will be back in action Saturday at home against NJIT.
"We got off to a good start," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "When we were moving the ball and sharing it, we were getting really good shots and everyone was contributing on the offensive end. I thought our defense in the first quarter and a half was really good. We were helping one another and playing with a lot of intensity. The second half, I give Kennesaw credit. They kept fighting, and I didn't feel like we responded quite as well, but it was a good win, and I was happy to see Ashli get her 1,000th point."
On the same night her teammate senior Tytionia Adderly was honored prior to the game for becoming the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal became the 18th player to reach 1,000 points while wearing the Green and Blue with a left-handed layup just minutes into the second quarter. She finished with eight points and four assists as the Eagles are now the only team in the nation with four 1,000-point guards. FGCU also joined Oregon as one of only two teams nationally with four at any position.
Jewett-Giles, meanwhile, recorded a team-high 20 points, a game-high seven assists, a team-high three steals and three rebounds while producing her third 20-point effort over six conference games this year. Redshirt senior Davion Wingate added 14 points, four assists and two rebounds on 6-for-8 shooting over 22 minutes, while senior Nasrin Ulel chipped in 11 points and two steals on 3-for-6 shooting from long distance.
Two others also tallied nine points apiece as Adderly registered nine points, nine rebounds and three assists, while redshirt junior Kerstie Phills had nine points, seven rebounds and two steals. For Adderly, it was the fifth time this year she fell just short of double-digits with nine rebounds.
After shooting just 13-for-46 from long distance as a team over the past two games combined, nine different Eagles registered a make as the team finished 13-for-29 for a season-best .448 percentage from 3-point range. It was FGCU's 13th game this year with at least 10 makes.
The Eagles scored the game's first nine points via four different players and jumped out to a 20-4 lead through seven minutes following back-to-back baskets from Wingate. A layup from Jewett-Giles stretched the margin to 20 with 7:56 left in the half, and a 3-pointer from Wingate gave the Green and Blue its largest lead of the half, 24, with 1:33 left.
Kennesaw State closed the game by scoring 23 of the final 32 points after O'Neal's 3-pointer with 8:02 left gave FGCU its largest lead, 71-40.
Notes:
Earlier in the day, FGCU was once again seeded eighth in the latest version of Bracketology by Charlie Crème, projected to open the NCAA Tournament against No. 9 Oklahoma with a potential second round matchup against No. 1 Louisville.
Jewett-Giles surpassed China Dow (749, 2016-18) for the third-most points by a two-year transfer in program history. She has 755, trailing only Rosemarie Julien (862, 2016-18) and Chelsea Lyles (839, 2008-10). Meanwhile, Wingate moved up to fifth on the same list, pushing her total to 593.
The 20-point effort from Jewett-Giles was her seventh such performance of the season, including the 14th of her career. It was also her 60th career double-digit scoring game, joining Wingate in the exclusive club. Ulel is also one shy of joining them after tallying her 59th on Monday.
FGCU is now 275-20 all-time in Alico Arena, including 102-2 in A-SUN regular season games.
Adderly tied Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12) for the third-most starts in program history, and she also surpassed Chihil for sole possession of 10th place on the program's games played list with 121.
Ulel, who made three 3-point field goals against Kennesaw State, became the fifth player in the program's Division I era with 200 made 3-point field goals, joining Kelsey Jacobson (330), Taylor Gradinjan (299), Whitney Knight (294) and Shannon Murphy (219). She now has 202 over 600 attempts, while also surpassing Gradinjan (424, 2012-18) on the era's career field goals made list, pushing that total to 425. On top of all that, she jumped Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) and Shannon Murphy (1,185, 2007-11) for the sixth-most career points in the Green and Blue.
Kennesaw's senior Carlotta Gianolla reached 1,000 career points.
With the win, the Eagles became the first team nationally to reach 19 wins, stretched its overall winning streak to eight and have won 34 consecutive games against A-SUN competition. They are now 26-2 all-time against Kennesaw State with wins in 20 straight. FGCU will be back in action Saturday at home against NJIT.
"We got off to a good start," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "When we were moving the ball and sharing it, we were getting really good shots and everyone was contributing on the offensive end. I thought our defense in the first quarter and a half was really good. We were helping one another and playing with a lot of intensity. The second half, I give Kennesaw credit. They kept fighting, and I didn't feel like we responded quite as well, but it was a good win, and I was happy to see Ashli get her 1,000th point."
On the same night her teammate senior Tytionia Adderly was honored prior to the game for becoming the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal became the 18th player to reach 1,000 points while wearing the Green and Blue with a left-handed layup just minutes into the second quarter. She finished with eight points and four assists as the Eagles are now the only team in the nation with four 1,000-point guards. FGCU also joined Oregon as one of only two teams nationally with four at any position.
Jewett-Giles, meanwhile, recorded a team-high 20 points, a game-high seven assists, a team-high three steals and three rebounds while producing her third 20-point effort over six conference games this year. Redshirt senior Davion Wingate added 14 points, four assists and two rebounds on 6-for-8 shooting over 22 minutes, while senior Nasrin Ulel chipped in 11 points and two steals on 3-for-6 shooting from long distance.
Two others also tallied nine points apiece as Adderly registered nine points, nine rebounds and three assists, while redshirt junior Kerstie Phills had nine points, seven rebounds and two steals. For Adderly, it was the fifth time this year she fell just short of double-digits with nine rebounds.
After shooting just 13-for-46 from long distance as a team over the past two games combined, nine different Eagles registered a make as the team finished 13-for-29 for a season-best .448 percentage from 3-point range. It was FGCU's 13th game this year with at least 10 makes.
The Eagles scored the game's first nine points via four different players and jumped out to a 20-4 lead through seven minutes following back-to-back baskets from Wingate. A layup from Jewett-Giles stretched the margin to 20 with 7:56 left in the half, and a 3-pointer from Wingate gave the Green and Blue its largest lead of the half, 24, with 1:33 left.
Kennesaw State closed the game by scoring 23 of the final 32 points after O'Neal's 3-pointer with 8:02 left gave FGCU its largest lead, 71-40.
Notes:
Earlier in the day, FGCU was once again seeded eighth in the latest version of Bracketology by Charlie Crème, projected to open the NCAA Tournament against No. 9 Oklahoma with a potential second round matchup against No. 1 Louisville.
Jewett-Giles surpassed China Dow (749, 2016-18) for the third-most points by a two-year transfer in program history. She has 755, trailing only Rosemarie Julien (862, 2016-18) and Chelsea Lyles (839, 2008-10). Meanwhile, Wingate moved up to fifth on the same list, pushing her total to 593.
The 20-point effort from Jewett-Giles was her seventh such performance of the season, including the 14th of her career. It was also her 60th career double-digit scoring game, joining Wingate in the exclusive club. Ulel is also one shy of joining them after tallying her 59th on Monday.
FGCU is now 275-20 all-time in Alico Arena, including 102-2 in A-SUN regular season games.
Adderly tied Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12) for the third-most starts in program history, and she also surpassed Chihil for sole possession of 10th place on the program's games played list with 121.
Ulel, who made three 3-point field goals against Kennesaw State, became the fifth player in the program's Division I era with 200 made 3-point field goals, joining Kelsey Jacobson (330), Taylor Gradinjan (299), Whitney Knight (294) and Shannon Murphy (219). She now has 202 over 600 attempts, while also surpassing Gradinjan (424, 2012-18) on the era's career field goals made list, pushing that total to 425. On top of all that, she jumped Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) and Shannon Murphy (1,185, 2007-11) for the sixth-most career points in the Green and Blue.
Kennesaw's senior Carlotta Gianolla reached 1,000 career points.
RV 2nd Herd Sets for Rematch at Polk State
After suffering their first loss in conference play, the RV SCF basketball team (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast) will look to bounce back from it as they travel to Winter Haven to take on Polk State (14-5, 2-1 Suncoast) at the Winter Haven Health Center Wednesday night, January 22 at 7 pm. The winner of this game will claim the series of three games.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of playing against #2 Florida Southwestern where they fell 96-69. It was their first loss in Suncoast play that ended their eight-game winning streak.
Inching Closer:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his strong role offensively and defensively. Hodge is averaging 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Hodge had 26 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks against FSW.
Hodge will be closing in on setting two SCF basketball records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (762) and most points in a career (1,341). Hodge has 559 points this season and 1,156 in his career. He needs 205 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 185 for the all-time scoring record.
Dashing to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher continues to inch closer to becoming the third player in program history to reach 1,000 career points and the second active player to do so. While he has 872 points in his career, Dasher is currently averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Against FSW, the New Jersey native had 18 points, three rebounds and one assist with 14 of his points being at the free throw line.
*Side Note: I'm not 100% sure if D'Moi and Isiah are the second and soon to be third players to reach 1,000 career points and I want to say yes that they are, however as a journalist, I must try to get the full facts before we can confirm that they are.
Big Men, No Problems:
Freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborugh continue to do their part as the big man roles while rotating in the lineup.
Kearing is averaging 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Against FSW, Kearing nearly had his sixth double-double as he had 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks while Scarborough had four points and five rebounds.
Freshman Jordan Clark is averaging 12 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game despite scoring only four points with two rebounds and one assist against FSW.
Fun Fact(s):
SCF has not swept any member of the Suncoast Conference in a series.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (21-1, 4-0 Suncoast)
2. RV SCF (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (14-6, 2-2 Suncoast)
4. St. Pete (10-11, 1-3 Suncoast)
5. Hillsborough (8-11, 0-4 Suncoast)
Scouting Polk State:
The Eagles are coming off of defeating Hillsborough 78-69 before falling to #2 FSW last Saturday where they lost by a score of 94-79. They currently are in third place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Tekorian "TK" Smith leads the team averaging 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Against HCC, the upcoming Georgia Southern transfer had 18 points and three rebounds and 18 points, two rebounds and five assists against FSW.
Classmate Malcolm Stevenson is averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The upcoming transfer to Queens University had 21 points and six rebounds and five assists against HCC and 25 points and six rebounds against FSW.
Freshman Clarence Jackson is averaging 14 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Jackson had nine points and 10 rebounds against HCC and seven points and three rebounds against FSW.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees are currently 12-16 against the Eagles. Last time both teams met up was on January 4 to Suncoast Conference play at SCF where the Manatees won 78-72.
Promo:
The game at Polk State will be dubbed as a 'Blackout' as Polk State fans are encouraged to wear black to the game.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
Polk State: @PolkStateHoops
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of playing against #2 Florida Southwestern where they fell 96-69. It was their first loss in Suncoast play that ended their eight-game winning streak.
Inching Closer:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his strong role offensively and defensively. Hodge is averaging 26.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Hodge had 26 points, six rebounds, one assist, three steals and three blocks against FSW.
Hodge will be closing in on setting two SCF basketball records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (762) and most points in a career (1,341). Hodge has 559 points this season and 1,156 in his career. He needs 205 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 185 for the all-time scoring record.
Dashing to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher continues to inch closer to becoming the third player in program history to reach 1,000 career points and the second active player to do so. While he has 872 points in his career, Dasher is currently averaging 16.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Against FSW, the New Jersey native had 18 points, three rebounds and one assist with 14 of his points being at the free throw line.
*Side Note: I'm not 100% sure if D'Moi and Isiah are the second and soon to be third players to reach 1,000 career points and I want to say yes that they are, however as a journalist, I must try to get the full facts before we can confirm that they are.
Big Men, No Problems:
Freshman Marshall Kearing and sophomore Christnoff Scarborugh continue to do their part as the big man roles while rotating in the lineup.
Kearing is averaging 11.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and two blocks per game, while Scarborough is averaging 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Against FSW, Kearing nearly had his sixth double-double as he had 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks while Scarborough had four points and five rebounds.
Freshman Jordan Clark is averaging 12 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game despite scoring only four points with two rebounds and one assist against FSW.
Fun Fact(s):
SCF has not swept any member of the Suncoast Conference in a series.
Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (21-1, 4-0 Suncoast)
2. RV SCF (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (14-6, 2-2 Suncoast)
4. St. Pete (10-11, 1-3 Suncoast)
5. Hillsborough (8-11, 0-4 Suncoast)
Scouting Polk State:
The Eagles are coming off of defeating Hillsborough 78-69 before falling to #2 FSW last Saturday where they lost by a score of 94-79. They currently are in third place in the Suncoast.
Sophomore Tekorian "TK" Smith leads the team averaging 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Against HCC, the upcoming Georgia Southern transfer had 18 points and three rebounds and 18 points, two rebounds and five assists against FSW.
Classmate Malcolm Stevenson is averaging 15.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. The upcoming transfer to Queens University had 21 points and six rebounds and five assists against HCC and 25 points and six rebounds against FSW.
Freshman Clarence Jackson is averaging 14 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Jackson had nine points and 10 rebounds against HCC and seven points and three rebounds against FSW.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees are currently 12-16 against the Eagles. Last time both teams met up was on January 4 to Suncoast Conference play at SCF where the Manatees won 78-72.
Promo:
The game at Polk State will be dubbed as a 'Blackout' as Polk State fans are encouraged to wear black to the game.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
Polk State: @PolkStateHoops
FGCU WBB @ North Alabama Recap
In a game that featured six of the NCAA's all-time 1,000 point scorers, redshirt Keri Jewett-Giles poured in a game-high 25 points - including 13 in the fourth quarter alone, to lead the FGCU women's basketball team (18-2, 5-0 A-SUN) to a 74-63 win over North Alabama (13-4, 4-1 A-SUN) on the road in Flowers Hall on Saturday. With the win, the Eagles became the first team nationally to reach 18 wins while pushing the nation's third-longest conference winning streak to 33 straight. Overall, they've now won seven straight, while conversely snapping North Alabama's streak at four. Furthermore, the Green and Blue now own sole possession of first place in the conference standings heading into Monday's 7 p.m. home game against Kennesaw State.
"This was a very difficult game," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "North Alabama is a really good team. It was just good to see us be able to come together and come from behind in the second half and find a way to win. Keri was exceptional. Nas played great defense. Everyone who got out there made a positive contribution, so that was a positive step."
After a first half that saw six ties and 11 lead changes, North Alabama scored five straight to open up a 42-36 lead with 4:23 left in the third quarter. However, the trio of redshirt seniors Davion Wingate, Jewett-Giles and Ashli O'Neal combined for six straight points in just over a minute to tie the game, and the surge continued as the Eagles closed the quarter on a 12-0 run. Six of those points came from Wingate, while four came from Jewett-Giles.
Then, with her team up 55-49 and 5:35 remaining, Jewett-Giles scored FGCU's next 13 points, including a pair of free throws with 1:15 left that gave the Eagles an 11-point lead.
Jewett-Giles finished 10-for-23 from the field en route to her game-high 25 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. It was the most field goal attempts by an Eagle all-time against an A-SUN opponent in the regular season. Wingate (14) chipped in 14 points, three steals, three rebounds and two assists, while senior Nasrin Ulel had 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.
With her nine points, O'Neal is now two shy of reaching 1,000 in her NCAA career. She added five rebounds and went 4-for-4 from the foul line.
Meanwhile, senior Tytionia Adderly produced six points along with team-highs in rebounds (9), assists (5) and steals (3). Aside from Wingate, redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox also tied Adderly for the team-high in steals.
FGCU's 12-for-12 performance from the free throw line represented the third time they've attempted double-digits without a miss against a conference team in the regular season.
North Alabama's Emma Wallen, who came in averaging over 13 points per game, was held scoreless over 37 minutes on 0-for-5 shooting. Her sister, Ivy, joined Olivia Noah with a team-high 17 points for the Lions. Ansley Eubank (13) and Kenysha Coulson (12) also scored in double-figures.
Notes:
Adderly is now one start away from tying Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12) for the third-most in the program's Division I era. She also moved into a tie with Chihil (120) for the 10th-most games played. Furthermore, she has 1,035 career rebounds, which moves her past Kayla Gordon (Jacksonville, 1,031, 2014-18) for 10th place on the A-SUN career list.
With her two steals, Ulel has 115 in her career, which moves her past Taylor Gradinjan (114, 2012-18) for ninth-most in the program's Division I era. She also pushed her career scoring total to 1,177, which is five shy of surpassing Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) for seventh-most in the same era, and she tied USC Upstate's Tee'Ara Copney (199, 2009-13) for 16th-most 3-point field goals made in A-SUN history.
The Eagles improved to 6-0 all-time against North Alabama.
Saturday's performance was the second 25-plus point effort of the season for Jewett-Giles, and it was the third of her career. She also surpassed Wingate with her season-high sixth game with at least 20 points, while pushing her career total to 13.
Furthermore, Jewett-Giles now has 1,237 career points, which moves her past Taylor Gradinjan (1,234, 2012-18) for the seventh-most scored in an NCAA career by a player to wear the Green and Blue.
Meanwhile, Wingate produced her 60th career game with at least 10 points.
"This was a very difficult game," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "North Alabama is a really good team. It was just good to see us be able to come together and come from behind in the second half and find a way to win. Keri was exceptional. Nas played great defense. Everyone who got out there made a positive contribution, so that was a positive step."
After a first half that saw six ties and 11 lead changes, North Alabama scored five straight to open up a 42-36 lead with 4:23 left in the third quarter. However, the trio of redshirt seniors Davion Wingate, Jewett-Giles and Ashli O'Neal combined for six straight points in just over a minute to tie the game, and the surge continued as the Eagles closed the quarter on a 12-0 run. Six of those points came from Wingate, while four came from Jewett-Giles.
Then, with her team up 55-49 and 5:35 remaining, Jewett-Giles scored FGCU's next 13 points, including a pair of free throws with 1:15 left that gave the Eagles an 11-point lead.
Jewett-Giles finished 10-for-23 from the field en route to her game-high 25 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. It was the most field goal attempts by an Eagle all-time against an A-SUN opponent in the regular season. Wingate (14) chipped in 14 points, three steals, three rebounds and two assists, while senior Nasrin Ulel had 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.
With her nine points, O'Neal is now two shy of reaching 1,000 in her NCAA career. She added five rebounds and went 4-for-4 from the foul line.
Meanwhile, senior Tytionia Adderly produced six points along with team-highs in rebounds (9), assists (5) and steals (3). Aside from Wingate, redshirt sophomore Tyra Cox also tied Adderly for the team-high in steals.
FGCU's 12-for-12 performance from the free throw line represented the third time they've attempted double-digits without a miss against a conference team in the regular season.
North Alabama's Emma Wallen, who came in averaging over 13 points per game, was held scoreless over 37 minutes on 0-for-5 shooting. Her sister, Ivy, joined Olivia Noah with a team-high 17 points for the Lions. Ansley Eubank (13) and Kenysha Coulson (12) also scored in double-figures.
Notes:
Adderly is now one start away from tying Courtney Chihil (111, 2008-12) for the third-most in the program's Division I era. She also moved into a tie with Chihil (120) for the 10th-most games played. Furthermore, she has 1,035 career rebounds, which moves her past Kayla Gordon (Jacksonville, 1,031, 2014-18) for 10th place on the A-SUN career list.
With her two steals, Ulel has 115 in her career, which moves her past Taylor Gradinjan (114, 2012-18) for ninth-most in the program's Division I era. She also pushed her career scoring total to 1,177, which is five shy of surpassing Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) for seventh-most in the same era, and she tied USC Upstate's Tee'Ara Copney (199, 2009-13) for 16th-most 3-point field goals made in A-SUN history.
The Eagles improved to 6-0 all-time against North Alabama.
Saturday's performance was the second 25-plus point effort of the season for Jewett-Giles, and it was the third of her career. She also surpassed Wingate with her season-high sixth game with at least 20 points, while pushing her career total to 13.
Furthermore, Jewett-Giles now has 1,237 career points, which moves her past Taylor Gradinjan (1,234, 2012-18) for the seventh-most scored in an NCAA career by a player to wear the Green and Blue.
Meanwhile, Wingate produced her 60th career game with at least 10 points.
FGCU MTEN vs FAMU Recap
For the first time this season, the FGCU men's tennis team was able to get into the win column after it picked up a 6-1 victory over the Florida A&M Rattlers on Saturday night at the FGCU Tennis Complex.
"I thought today was overall a good match," head coach CJ Weber said. "It was a little unique with FAMU only having five guys. Sometimes, that can be a distraction because it's outside the norm. The guys, however, did a good job of using that to our advantage. They got them down early and used that momentum to close things out quickly. I thought the guys overall did a good job of taking care of business."
In doubles play, FAMU (0-5) was unable to field a No. 3 doubles team, meaning that FGCU had to win just one match in order to clinch the early point. The duo of senior Marcelo Tebet and junior Juan Montes achieved said feat for the Green and Blue by earning a 6-3 triumph on court two. Seniors Felipe Ramirez and Feliksas Sakalauskas were leading their opponents 4-3 at the time the point was secured.
Montes continued his winning streak in singles play, where he quickly grabbed a 6-0, 6-1 win over Robert Hayden. Since the Rattlers were also unable to play at the No. 6 singles spot, Montes' win put FGCU up 3-0.
Within minutes of the first singles win, sophomore Carter Bradford officially clinched the match for the Eagles with a straight-set victory at the fifth flight. The triumph marked Bradford's first in singles play as a member of the Green and Blue.
Tebet had a close match on the top court, as FAMU's Jean-Baptiste Mbong pushed the second frame to a tiebreaker. Ultimately, the senior defeated Mbong 7-2 to push FGCU out to a 5-0 edge.
While Bradford, Montes and Tebet finished off their competitors in two sets, the rest of the Eagles battled into three. After dropping his second frame, Sakalauskas bounced back and grabbed a 10-2 win in the third set to secure court two.
The match between freshman Guglielmo Stefanacci and the Rattlers' Eliott Ekindi also went into a third set, where Ekindi earned a 10-3 triumph to prevent the Rattlers from being shut out entirely.
With the win, the Eagles are now 65-65 all-time against opponents that hail from the Sunshine State.
Results
Singles competition
1. TEBET, Marcelo (FGCU) def. MBONG,jJean-Baptiste (FAMUM) 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)
2. SAKALAUSKAS,Feliksas (FGCU) def. CERVINKA,Petr (FAMUM) 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 10-2
3. MONTES, Juan (FGCU) def. HAYDEN,Robert (FAMUM) 6-0, 6-1
4. EKINDI,Eliott (FAMUM) def. STEFANACCI,Guglielmo (FGCU) 0-6, 7-6 (7-3), 10-3
5. BRADFORD, Carter (FGCU) def. STURGIS,Rodeny (FAMUM) 6-2, 6-2
Order of finish: (3, 5, 2, 1, 4)
Doubles competition
1. RAMIREZ, Felipe/SAKALAUSKAS,Feliksas (FGCU) def. CERVINKA,Petr/EKINDI,Eliott (FAMUM) 4-3
2. TEBET, Marcelo/MONTES, Juan (FGCU) def. MBONG,jJean-Baptiste/HAYDEN,Robert (FAMUM) 6-3
Order of finish: (2)
"I thought today was overall a good match," head coach CJ Weber said. "It was a little unique with FAMU only having five guys. Sometimes, that can be a distraction because it's outside the norm. The guys, however, did a good job of using that to our advantage. They got them down early and used that momentum to close things out quickly. I thought the guys overall did a good job of taking care of business."
In doubles play, FAMU (0-5) was unable to field a No. 3 doubles team, meaning that FGCU had to win just one match in order to clinch the early point. The duo of senior Marcelo Tebet and junior Juan Montes achieved said feat for the Green and Blue by earning a 6-3 triumph on court two. Seniors Felipe Ramirez and Feliksas Sakalauskas were leading their opponents 4-3 at the time the point was secured.
Montes continued his winning streak in singles play, where he quickly grabbed a 6-0, 6-1 win over Robert Hayden. Since the Rattlers were also unable to play at the No. 6 singles spot, Montes' win put FGCU up 3-0.
Within minutes of the first singles win, sophomore Carter Bradford officially clinched the match for the Eagles with a straight-set victory at the fifth flight. The triumph marked Bradford's first in singles play as a member of the Green and Blue.
Tebet had a close match on the top court, as FAMU's Jean-Baptiste Mbong pushed the second frame to a tiebreaker. Ultimately, the senior defeated Mbong 7-2 to push FGCU out to a 5-0 edge.
While Bradford, Montes and Tebet finished off their competitors in two sets, the rest of the Eagles battled into three. After dropping his second frame, Sakalauskas bounced back and grabbed a 10-2 win in the third set to secure court two.
The match between freshman Guglielmo Stefanacci and the Rattlers' Eliott Ekindi also went into a third set, where Ekindi earned a 10-3 triumph to prevent the Rattlers from being shut out entirely.
With the win, the Eagles are now 65-65 all-time against opponents that hail from the Sunshine State.
Results
Singles competition
1. TEBET, Marcelo (FGCU) def. MBONG,jJean-Baptiste (FAMUM) 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)
2. SAKALAUSKAS,Feliksas (FGCU) def. CERVINKA,Petr (FAMUM) 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 10-2
3. MONTES, Juan (FGCU) def. HAYDEN,Robert (FAMUM) 6-0, 6-1
4. EKINDI,Eliott (FAMUM) def. STEFANACCI,Guglielmo (FGCU) 0-6, 7-6 (7-3), 10-3
5. BRADFORD, Carter (FGCU) def. STURGIS,Rodeny (FAMUM) 6-2, 6-2
Order of finish: (3, 5, 2, 1, 4)
Doubles competition
1. RAMIREZ, Felipe/SAKALAUSKAS,Feliksas (FGCU) def. CERVINKA,Petr/EKINDI,Eliott (FAMUM) 4-3
2. TEBET, Marcelo/MONTES, Juan (FGCU) def. MBONG,jJean-Baptiste/HAYDEN,Robert (FAMUM) 6-3
Order of finish: (2)
FGCU MBB vs Kennesaw Recap
After a record-setting first half where the Eagles allowed just seven points, the FGCU men's basketball team (6-14, 3-2 A-SUN) cruised to a 73-51 win over Kennesaw State (1-16, 0-4 A-SUN) at Alico Arena on Thursday night. The win was the third in the last four outings for the Eagles and the second straight.
The seven points allowed in the first half were a program record and the fewest allowed in the first half of an NCAA Division I game this year. The Owls were just 1-of-25 from the floor which nearly matched the NCAA record for lowest field goal percentage in the shot clock era which was set by Northern Illinois (1-of-31, 3.2%) on Jan. 26, 2013. The one made field goal tied the NCAA record for fewest made alongside NIU and Savannah State (at Kansas State, 2008). Overall the NCAA record for fewest points (since 1986 according to the NCAA record book) in a first half of a Division I game was 5 by California against Notre Dame on Nov. 26, 2010. In the NIU/EMU game, the Huskies were held to just four points, while Eastern Michigan also managed just four points in 2018 against Rutgers.
"We're happy to get the win tonight and to continue to see progression over the last few weeks," said head coach Michael Fly. "Now we have to turn our focus to a very quick turnaround as we face a very good North Alabama team. KSU is obviously in a rebuilding mode with some young guys who are still figuring out their chemistry - somewhat similar to some of the struggles we've faced.I thought our defense did a good job overall, but part of it was KSU just missed some shots and had some good looks just not go in."
The Eagles carried a 34-7 lead into halftime with Kennesaw State's only field goal coming on a three-pointer by Jamie Lewis at the 8:42 mark of the opening stanza. FGCU had scored nine straight before that and then finished the half on an 18-to-4 run.
The lead grew to as many as 39, 60-21, midway through the second half after a free throw by junior Sam Gagliardi. The Owls were able to cut into the lead as the Eagles began to mix-and-match line-ups. KSU strung together a 17-to-3 run to cut the deficit to 63-37 with 5:56 remaining in the game.
FGCU was led by 11 points from sophomores Caleb Catto and Zach Scott in what was a balanced overall offensive effort. Junior Jalen Warren had a game-high 11 rebounds with nine points and five assists. Junior Justus Rainwater and Cyrus Largie each added nine points.
Lewis led all scorers with 20 points for the Owls, while Tyler Hooker was the only other KSU player in double figures.
The Eagles finished the game shooting 45.3 percent (29-of-64), while Kennesaw State hit 14-of-67 (20.9%). The 20.9 percent shooting percentage was also a record low allowed by FGCU. The previous best field goal defense mark was 22.7 percent by East Tennessee State on Feb. 7, 2013.
FGCU also held a 53-to-39 advantage in rebounding which was the second time this season to break the 50-rebound plateau.
Up Next:
Following tonight's action, the Eagles return to action with a road trip this Saturday afternoon at North Alabama as part of a double-header with the women's team. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
The seven points allowed in the first half were a program record and the fewest allowed in the first half of an NCAA Division I game this year. The Owls were just 1-of-25 from the floor which nearly matched the NCAA record for lowest field goal percentage in the shot clock era which was set by Northern Illinois (1-of-31, 3.2%) on Jan. 26, 2013. The one made field goal tied the NCAA record for fewest made alongside NIU and Savannah State (at Kansas State, 2008). Overall the NCAA record for fewest points (since 1986 according to the NCAA record book) in a first half of a Division I game was 5 by California against Notre Dame on Nov. 26, 2010. In the NIU/EMU game, the Huskies were held to just four points, while Eastern Michigan also managed just four points in 2018 against Rutgers.
"We're happy to get the win tonight and to continue to see progression over the last few weeks," said head coach Michael Fly. "Now we have to turn our focus to a very quick turnaround as we face a very good North Alabama team. KSU is obviously in a rebuilding mode with some young guys who are still figuring out their chemistry - somewhat similar to some of the struggles we've faced.I thought our defense did a good job overall, but part of it was KSU just missed some shots and had some good looks just not go in."
The Eagles carried a 34-7 lead into halftime with Kennesaw State's only field goal coming on a three-pointer by Jamie Lewis at the 8:42 mark of the opening stanza. FGCU had scored nine straight before that and then finished the half on an 18-to-4 run.
The lead grew to as many as 39, 60-21, midway through the second half after a free throw by junior Sam Gagliardi. The Owls were able to cut into the lead as the Eagles began to mix-and-match line-ups. KSU strung together a 17-to-3 run to cut the deficit to 63-37 with 5:56 remaining in the game.
FGCU was led by 11 points from sophomores Caleb Catto and Zach Scott in what was a balanced overall offensive effort. Junior Jalen Warren had a game-high 11 rebounds with nine points and five assists. Junior Justus Rainwater and Cyrus Largie each added nine points.
Lewis led all scorers with 20 points for the Owls, while Tyler Hooker was the only other KSU player in double figures.
The Eagles finished the game shooting 45.3 percent (29-of-64), while Kennesaw State hit 14-of-67 (20.9%). The 20.9 percent shooting percentage was also a record low allowed by FGCU. The previous best field goal defense mark was 22.7 percent by East Tennessee State on Feb. 7, 2013.
FGCU also held a 53-to-39 advantage in rebounding which was the second time this season to break the 50-rebound plateau.
Up Next:
Following tonight's action, the Eagles return to action with a road trip this Saturday afternoon at North Alabama as part of a double-header with the women's team. Both games will be streamed on ESPN+.
2nd Herd Falls to FSW
The RV SCF basketball team (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast) dropped their first loss Suncoast play as they fell to #2 FSW (20-1, 3-0 Suncoast) 96-69. With the loss, the Manatees still have yet to win against the Buccaneers as they are now 0-11.
It was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the Manatees offense as he finished with 26 points (9-for-21 FG, 3-for-10 3PT, 5-for-7 FT), six rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Classmate Isiah Dasher followed with 18 points (2-for-9 FG, 14-for-14 FT), three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Freshman Marshall Kearing was one rebound shy of his sixth double-double as he finished with 13 points (4-for-11 FG, 1-for-2 3PT, 4-for-5 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks.
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough (three points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks) and Max Bell-Ramos (two points and one rebound), redshirt freshmen Jaylen Jones (fourpoints, one rebound and one assist) and Calvin McCutcheon (one rebound) and freshman Jordan Clark (four points, two rebounds and one assist) also contributed in the game.
For the Buccaneers, four of the players scored in double figures. Sophomore Keon Ellis led the way offensively with 34 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Freshman Jermaine Marshall and sophomore Jalen Finch followed a double-double each. Marshall had 14 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two blocks, while Finch had 15 points and 10 assists. Sophomore De'Lazarus Keys rounded out the lineup with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Notes:
Hodge's 26 points pushed him to 1,156 in his career and 559 for the season. Hodge needs 205 points to break James Life's single season scoring record (762) and 186 for the all-time scoring record held by Life (1,341).
Dasher's 18 points pushed him to 872 in his career and remains 128 points away from joining Hodge as the second active member to reach 1,000 career points.
Other Suncoast Scores:
Polk State (14-5, 2-1 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-10, 0-3 Suncoast) 78-69 in Tampa. The Hawks will face St. Pete College (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast) Saturday, January 18 at 4 pm.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (20-1, 3-0 Suncoast)
2. RV SCF (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (14-5, 2-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-10, 0-3 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Winter Park to face Polk State Wednesday night, January 22 at 7 pm.
It was sophomore D'Moi Hodge that led the Manatees offense as he finished with 26 points (9-for-21 FG, 3-for-10 3PT, 5-for-7 FT), six rebounds, one assist, three steals and two blocks. Classmate Isiah Dasher followed with 18 points (2-for-9 FG, 14-for-14 FT), three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Freshman Marshall Kearing was one rebound shy of his sixth double-double as he finished with 13 points (4-for-11 FG, 1-for-2 3PT, 4-for-5 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocks.
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough (three points, five rebounds, one assist and two blocks) and Max Bell-Ramos (two points and one rebound), redshirt freshmen Jaylen Jones (fourpoints, one rebound and one assist) and Calvin McCutcheon (one rebound) and freshman Jordan Clark (four points, two rebounds and one assist) also contributed in the game.
For the Buccaneers, four of the players scored in double figures. Sophomore Keon Ellis led the way offensively with 34 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Freshman Jermaine Marshall and sophomore Jalen Finch followed a double-double each. Marshall had 14 points and 12 rebounds to go along with two blocks, while Finch had 15 points and 10 assists. Sophomore De'Lazarus Keys rounded out the lineup with 13 points and eight rebounds.
Notes:
Hodge's 26 points pushed him to 1,156 in his career and 559 for the season. Hodge needs 205 points to break James Life's single season scoring record (762) and 186 for the all-time scoring record held by Life (1,341).
Dasher's 18 points pushed him to 872 in his career and remains 128 points away from joining Hodge as the second active member to reach 1,000 career points.
Other Suncoast Scores:
Polk State (14-5, 2-1 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-10, 0-3 Suncoast) 78-69 in Tampa. The Hawks will face St. Pete College (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast) Saturday, January 18 at 4 pm.
Updated Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (20-1, 3-0 Suncoast)
2. RV SCF (17-5, 3-1 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (14-5, 2-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-10, 0-3 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Winter Park to face Polk State Wednesday night, January 22 at 7 pm.
FGCU WBB @ UNF Recap
Senior Nasrin Ulel led four players in double-figures with 16 points as the No. 25 FGCU women's basketball team (17-2, 4-0 A-SUN) defeated North Florida (9-8, 2-2 A-SUN) on Monday in UNF Arena for the team's sixth-straight win. With the victory, the Eagles become the first team to reach 17 wins nationally and pushed the program's A-SUN winning streak to 32 in a row, which is the third-longest in the nation. They also improve to 13-2 as a ranked Division I team and 25-3 in the all-time series with the Ospreys.
"That was an important win," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We had a very good first quarter, which allowed us to set the tone, and we did a good job taking care of the ball."
Ulel, who scored seven of her 10 first quarter points in the final three minutes as the Eagles closed the frame on an 11-0 run, finished 6-for-12 from the field for her game-high scoring total. She added six rebounds, a game-high four assists and a steal.
With her two 3-pointers, the Golden State native is now two shy of becoming just the fifth player in the program's Division I era to produce 200 in a career, and she surpassed Stephanie Haas (414, 2012-16) for the fifth-most overall field goals made in a career on Monday, pushing her total to 417.
Before Ulel's offensive output, redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal provided a spark off the bench for FGCU in the opening quarter. She drew a charge shortly after entering before finishing with seven points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals during a 21-4 run to close the quarter. O'Neal is now 11 points shy of reaching 1,000 career points.
After starting 0-for-3 from the field, redshirt senior Davion Wingate produced a steal with 1:36 left in the first half, which sparked her offensively as the senior scored seven points in the final 90 seconds to give FGCU an 18-point lead at the break after North Florida had trimmed its deficit to single digits with 2:34 left.
Wingate wound up finishing second on the team in scoring with 14, while adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. She made 6-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-4 from long distance.
FGCU held a 20-0 advantage in points off turnovers and scored 26 of the game's 28 points in the paint over the first 20 minutes. The Eagles also held UNF's second-leading scorer, Jazz Bond, scoreless with an 0-for-4 start from the field and just four rebounds in 17 minutes of action during the half. Meanwhile, the Green and Blue produced points from seven different players.
The Ospreys opened the second half on a 7-3 run and trimmed the deficit to 14 over the first 3:30 while FGCU went 1-for-5 from the field and tallied the first of only five turnovers for the whole game during that stretch.
Ulel would help her team come out of the funk in a big way, though, as the senior guard connected on a pair of free throws to start a 21-0 run. Sophomore Tanner Bryant followed with a driving layup on the left side, redshirt junior Kerstie Phills converted back-to-back 3-pointers and Wingate scored five straight.
redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles, who finished with 11 points, then made a jumper with 24 seconds left in the quarter to complete the run and give the Eagles a 65-30 lead as FGCU emptied the bench and cruised to the win. Phills chipped in 10 points overall while shooting 4-for-6 from the field and making two of her three attempts from long distance.
Jewett-Giles added eight rebounds (two shy of her career-high), two assists and one steal. It was her fifth-straight game with at least five boards, and she's averaging eight over the past three outings. Furthermore, she eclipsed 700 points in her FGCU career on Monday and now has 710.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who was limited to just 15 minutes due to foul trouble and the scoring margin, registered five points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. She is just six rebounds shy of passing Kayla Gordon (Jacksonville, 1,031, 2014-18) for 10th place on the A-SUN's all-time rebounding list.
Up Next:
With the win, FGCU is now set up for a first-place showdown with North Alabama (13-3, 4-0) on the road Saturday in Florence, Ala. at 2 p.m. ET. The Eagles will then return home for a pair of games.
"That was an important win," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We had a very good first quarter, which allowed us to set the tone, and we did a good job taking care of the ball."
Ulel, who scored seven of her 10 first quarter points in the final three minutes as the Eagles closed the frame on an 11-0 run, finished 6-for-12 from the field for her game-high scoring total. She added six rebounds, a game-high four assists and a steal.
With her two 3-pointers, the Golden State native is now two shy of becoming just the fifth player in the program's Division I era to produce 200 in a career, and she surpassed Stephanie Haas (414, 2012-16) for the fifth-most overall field goals made in a career on Monday, pushing her total to 417.
Before Ulel's offensive output, redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal provided a spark off the bench for FGCU in the opening quarter. She drew a charge shortly after entering before finishing with seven points, two assists, two rebounds and two steals during a 21-4 run to close the quarter. O'Neal is now 11 points shy of reaching 1,000 career points.
After starting 0-for-3 from the field, redshirt senior Davion Wingate produced a steal with 1:36 left in the first half, which sparked her offensively as the senior scored seven points in the final 90 seconds to give FGCU an 18-point lead at the break after North Florida had trimmed its deficit to single digits with 2:34 left.
Wingate wound up finishing second on the team in scoring with 14, while adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. She made 6-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-4 from long distance.
FGCU held a 20-0 advantage in points off turnovers and scored 26 of the game's 28 points in the paint over the first 20 minutes. The Eagles also held UNF's second-leading scorer, Jazz Bond, scoreless with an 0-for-4 start from the field and just four rebounds in 17 minutes of action during the half. Meanwhile, the Green and Blue produced points from seven different players.
The Ospreys opened the second half on a 7-3 run and trimmed the deficit to 14 over the first 3:30 while FGCU went 1-for-5 from the field and tallied the first of only five turnovers for the whole game during that stretch.
Ulel would help her team come out of the funk in a big way, though, as the senior guard connected on a pair of free throws to start a 21-0 run. Sophomore Tanner Bryant followed with a driving layup on the left side, redshirt junior Kerstie Phills converted back-to-back 3-pointers and Wingate scored five straight.
redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles, who finished with 11 points, then made a jumper with 24 seconds left in the quarter to complete the run and give the Eagles a 65-30 lead as FGCU emptied the bench and cruised to the win. Phills chipped in 10 points overall while shooting 4-for-6 from the field and making two of her three attempts from long distance.
Jewett-Giles added eight rebounds (two shy of her career-high), two assists and one steal. It was her fifth-straight game with at least five boards, and she's averaging eight over the past three outings. Furthermore, she eclipsed 700 points in her FGCU career on Monday and now has 710.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who was limited to just 15 minutes due to foul trouble and the scoring margin, registered five points, three rebounds, three steals and two assists. She is just six rebounds shy of passing Kayla Gordon (Jacksonville, 1,031, 2014-18) for 10th place on the A-SUN's all-time rebounding list.
Up Next:
With the win, FGCU is now set up for a first-place showdown with North Alabama (13-3, 4-0) on the road Saturday in Florence, Ala. at 2 p.m. ET. The Eagles will then return home for a pair of games.
2nd Herd Set for #2 FSW
The SCF basketball team (17-4, 3-0 Suncoast) is set for another challenge as they travel to the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers to face #2 Florida Southwestern (19-1, 2-0 Suncoast) Wednesday night, January 15 at 7:30 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of playing against Hillsborough at home where they won by a score of 91-84 in Suncoast play and are currently in first place in conference play. This was the first time in program history that the Manatees went 3-0 in Suncoast play.
The Manatees enter the matchup against FSW with an eight-game winning streak on the line.
Moving Up in Polls:
Aside from their conference record and winning streak, the Manatees have moved up in the polls. After ranking #6 in the FCSAA Coaches Poll last week, the Manatees bumped up to #4 in the polls. It did not stop for the Manatees as they received three votes in the NJCAA National Polls. It is the first time in program history that the Manatees received votes nationally.
SCF joins as one of four teams in the national polls. #2 FSW, #10 Tallahassee and #14 Central Florida are the other three teams.
He Shoots, He Scores for Records:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his path on a scoring route. Hodge is currently averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Against HCC, Hodge had 26 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks.
Hodge has already reached 1,000 career points and currently has 533 points this season and 1,131 in his career. The upcoming Cleveland State transfer is actually on pace to set a two school records, most points scored in a single season and most career points. Those two records are currently held by James Life (762, single season record; 1,341 program record). Hodge needs 230 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 211 for the all-time scoring record.
Nearing the Promise Land of 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is trying to join Hodge as the second active member to score 1,000 career points. Dasher has 854 so far and remains 146 away from doing so. Dasher is currently averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Against HCC, Dasher had 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Double-Double Down Under:
Freshman Marshall Kearing has been a big threat not just in scoring, but crashing the board as well. Kearing is averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and two blocks per game. In the game against HCC, Kearing had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds and one block. In fact, the native of Perth, Australia has five double-doubles this season, which ties
Scarborough Fair:
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough continues his main role to back up Kearing. Scarborough is currently averaging 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Against HCC, Scarborough had a career-high 12 points and four rebounds.
Tornado Takedown:
Freshman Jordan Clark has made it clear on his role in the lineup. Despite scoring only two points with five rebounds and two assists against HCC, Clark is averaging 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Wild and Crazy:
Sophomore Max Bell-Ramos and Remy Robert II and redshirt freshmen Calvin McCutcheon and Jaylen Jones.
Bell-Ramos is averaging 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, while Robert II is averaging 4.2 points and 1.1 assists per game. Bell-Ramos had seven points and three rebounds against HCC, while Robert II had seven points and one assist.
McCutcheon is averaging 5.6 points and 3.8 assists per game, while Jones averages five points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Against HCC, McCutcheon had four points and two assists while Jones had five points, five rebounds and three assists.
Scouting FSW:
The Buccaneers are coming off of victory over Victory Rock Prep last Saturday where they won 110-61. As a result of their week in conference play, the Buccaneers bumped up to #2 in the national polls.
Sophomore Keon Ellis leads the team averaging 17.3 points and 2.5 steals per game. Ellis had 19 points and one steal against Victory Rock Prep.
Classmates Berrick JeanLouis and Jalen Finch follow Ellis in average scoring. JeanLouis is averaging 14.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Finch averages 10.3 points and five assists per game. Against Victory Rock Prep, JeanLouis had 17 points and two rebounds while Finch had six points and three assists.
As far as crashing the boards, freshman Jermaine Marshall leads the team averaging 7.9 rebounds and 7.7 points per game. Marshall had six points and seven rebounds against Victory Rock Prep.
Series History (2016-present):
Since FSW joined the Suncoast, the Manatees have yet to beat them as they are 0-10 against the Buccaneers.
How to Keep Up:
The game will be featured livestream on the FSW Network. Fans can also keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
FSW: @FSWBucs
Livestream Link: https://www.fsw.edu/livestream
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of playing against Hillsborough at home where they won by a score of 91-84 in Suncoast play and are currently in first place in conference play. This was the first time in program history that the Manatees went 3-0 in Suncoast play.
The Manatees enter the matchup against FSW with an eight-game winning streak on the line.
Moving Up in Polls:
Aside from their conference record and winning streak, the Manatees have moved up in the polls. After ranking #6 in the FCSAA Coaches Poll last week, the Manatees bumped up to #4 in the polls. It did not stop for the Manatees as they received three votes in the NJCAA National Polls. It is the first time in program history that the Manatees received votes nationally.
SCF joins as one of four teams in the national polls. #2 FSW, #10 Tallahassee and #14 Central Florida are the other three teams.
He Shoots, He Scores for Records:
Sophomore D'Moi Hodge continues his path on a scoring route. Hodge is currently averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.4 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Against HCC, Hodge had 26 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and three blocks.
Hodge has already reached 1,000 career points and currently has 533 points this season and 1,131 in his career. The upcoming Cleveland State transfer is actually on pace to set a two school records, most points scored in a single season and most career points. Those two records are currently held by James Life (762, single season record; 1,341 program record). Hodge needs 230 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 211 for the all-time scoring record.
Nearing the Promise Land of 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is trying to join Hodge as the second active member to score 1,000 career points. Dasher has 854 so far and remains 146 away from doing so. Dasher is currently averaging 16.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. Against HCC, Dasher had 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
Double-Double Down Under:
Freshman Marshall Kearing has been a big threat not just in scoring, but crashing the board as well. Kearing is averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and two blocks per game. In the game against HCC, Kearing had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds and one block. In fact, the native of Perth, Australia has five double-doubles this season, which ties
Scarborough Fair:
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough continues his main role to back up Kearing. Scarborough is currently averaging 4.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. Against HCC, Scarborough had a career-high 12 points and four rebounds.
Tornado Takedown:
Freshman Jordan Clark has made it clear on his role in the lineup. Despite scoring only two points with five rebounds and two assists against HCC, Clark is averaging 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Wild and Crazy:
Sophomore Max Bell-Ramos and Remy Robert II and redshirt freshmen Calvin McCutcheon and Jaylen Jones.
Bell-Ramos is averaging 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game, while Robert II is averaging 4.2 points and 1.1 assists per game. Bell-Ramos had seven points and three rebounds against HCC, while Robert II had seven points and one assist.
McCutcheon is averaging 5.6 points and 3.8 assists per game, while Jones averages five points and 1.5 rebounds per game. Against HCC, McCutcheon had four points and two assists while Jones had five points, five rebounds and three assists.
Scouting FSW:
The Buccaneers are coming off of victory over Victory Rock Prep last Saturday where they won 110-61. As a result of their week in conference play, the Buccaneers bumped up to #2 in the national polls.
Sophomore Keon Ellis leads the team averaging 17.3 points and 2.5 steals per game. Ellis had 19 points and one steal against Victory Rock Prep.
Classmates Berrick JeanLouis and Jalen Finch follow Ellis in average scoring. JeanLouis is averaging 14.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, while Finch averages 10.3 points and five assists per game. Against Victory Rock Prep, JeanLouis had 17 points and two rebounds while Finch had six points and three assists.
As far as crashing the boards, freshman Jermaine Marshall leads the team averaging 7.9 rebounds and 7.7 points per game. Marshall had six points and seven rebounds against Victory Rock Prep.
Series History (2016-present):
Since FSW joined the Suncoast, the Manatees have yet to beat them as they are 0-10 against the Buccaneers.
How to Keep Up:
The game will be featured livestream on the FSW Network. Fans can also keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
FSW: @FSWBucs
Livestream Link: https://www.fsw.edu/livestream
2nd Herd Clips HCC, Goes 3-0 in the Suncoast
Despite blowing a 25 point lead, the SCF basketball team (17-4, 3-0 Suncoast) still managed to pull away with a win at Hal Chasey Gymnasium as they defeated Hillsborough (8-9, 0-2 Suncoast) 91-84. With the win, the Manatees are now 14-16 against the Hawks.
"We started off really good in the first half with our starters doing a good job knocking down shots and getting rebounds," said sophomore Max Bell-Ramos. "In the second however, we didn't come out strong enough to keep the 25-point lead and the other team (HCC) took advantage of that."
Four Manatees led the way in double figures for scoring. Sophomore D'Moi Hodge led the Manatees with 26 points (7-for-16 FG, 5-for-8 3PT, 7-for-9 FT), five rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. Despite being two rebounds shy of a double-double, classmate Isiah Dasher followed Hodge with 18 points (8-for-17 FG, 2-for-2 FT), eight rebounds and four assists.
Freshman Marshall Kearing finished with a fifth double-double of 10 points (5-for-8 FG) and 10 rebounds while adding two assists, a steal and a block. Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough led the bench with a career-high 12 points (6-for-8 FG), four rebounds and two steals.
"I believe that today was a good game and everyone played as hard as they could," said Scarborough on the game.
"Today I played a good game," said Scarborough on his performance. "And throughout the whole game, I still continued to stay active."
Bell-Ramos and classmate Remy Robert II finished with seven points each. Bell-Ramos (3-for-7 FG, 1-for-2 FT) added three rebounds and an assist, while Robert (2-for-6 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 2-for-3 FT) added a rebound and an assist.
"I felt good about today," said Bell-Ramos on his performance. "When one of our guys got into foul trouble, I stepped up with some of the others to help get us the win.
Redshirt freshmen Jaylen Jones (five points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal) and Calvin McCutcheon (four points, one rebound, two assists and two steals) and freshman Jordan Clark (two points, five rebounds and two assists) also contributed in the game.
Four Hawks also scored in double figures. Sophomore Michael Cole leads the Hawks with a double-double of 36 points and 14 rebounds to go along with three blocks, while classmates Derrick White Jr. followed with 14 points and four rebounds and Morgan Carter had 13 points and two rebounds off the bench and Joshua Jackmon rounded out the order with 10 points and four assists.
Notes:
This was the first time in program history the Manatees went 3-0 to start Suncoast Conference play.
"It feels good to start with the right foot," said Bell-Ramos on the strong start. "This feeling of winning gives us more energy to keep it on the same way of winning."
It's a great feeling to have a winning streak," said Scarborough. "Especially during conference play."
Hodge pushed his career points total to 1,131 and 533 points this season. He still needs 230 points to break James Life's single season scoring record and 211 for the all-time scoring record.
Dasher now pushes his career point total to 854 and now needs 146 to reach 1,000 career points.
Kearing's double-double was his fifth of the season.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#3 FSW (19-1, 2-0 Suncoast) defeated Victory Rock Prep at home by a score of 110-61.
Polk State (13-5, 1-1 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete College (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast) 69-64. The Eagles will travel to Tampa to face HCC Wednesday night, January 15 at 7:30 pm. The Titans will face HCC Saturday afternoon, January 18 at 4 pm at home.
Suncoast Standings:
1. SCF (17-4, 3-0 Suncoast)
2. #3 FSW (19-1, 2-0 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (13-5, 1-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-9, 0-2 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees will face their biggest challenges in the Suncoast as they travel to Fort Myers to face #3 FSW at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena Wednesday night, January 15 at 7:30 pm.
"We can expect everyone to be busting their tails off for 40 minutes," said Scarborough.
"We have a strong game against FSW," said Bell-Ramos. "We got to focus to come home with the victory and have the winning streak with us
"We started off really good in the first half with our starters doing a good job knocking down shots and getting rebounds," said sophomore Max Bell-Ramos. "In the second however, we didn't come out strong enough to keep the 25-point lead and the other team (HCC) took advantage of that."
Four Manatees led the way in double figures for scoring. Sophomore D'Moi Hodge led the Manatees with 26 points (7-for-16 FG, 5-for-8 3PT, 7-for-9 FT), five rebounds, two assists, a steal and three blocks. Despite being two rebounds shy of a double-double, classmate Isiah Dasher followed Hodge with 18 points (8-for-17 FG, 2-for-2 FT), eight rebounds and four assists.
Freshman Marshall Kearing finished with a fifth double-double of 10 points (5-for-8 FG) and 10 rebounds while adding two assists, a steal and a block. Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough led the bench with a career-high 12 points (6-for-8 FG), four rebounds and two steals.
"I believe that today was a good game and everyone played as hard as they could," said Scarborough on the game.
"Today I played a good game," said Scarborough on his performance. "And throughout the whole game, I still continued to stay active."
Bell-Ramos and classmate Remy Robert II finished with seven points each. Bell-Ramos (3-for-7 FG, 1-for-2 FT) added three rebounds and an assist, while Robert (2-for-6 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 2-for-3 FT) added a rebound and an assist.
"I felt good about today," said Bell-Ramos on his performance. "When one of our guys got into foul trouble, I stepped up with some of the others to help get us the win.
Redshirt freshmen Jaylen Jones (five points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal) and Calvin McCutcheon (four points, one rebound, two assists and two steals) and freshman Jordan Clark (two points, five rebounds and two assists) also contributed in the game.
Four Hawks also scored in double figures. Sophomore Michael Cole leads the Hawks with a double-double of 36 points and 14 rebounds to go along with three blocks, while classmates Derrick White Jr. followed with 14 points and four rebounds and Morgan Carter had 13 points and two rebounds off the bench and Joshua Jackmon rounded out the order with 10 points and four assists.
Notes:
This was the first time in program history the Manatees went 3-0 to start Suncoast Conference play.
"It feels good to start with the right foot," said Bell-Ramos on the strong start. "This feeling of winning gives us more energy to keep it on the same way of winning."
It's a great feeling to have a winning streak," said Scarborough. "Especially during conference play."
Hodge pushed his career points total to 1,131 and 533 points this season. He still needs 230 points to break James Life's single season scoring record and 211 for the all-time scoring record.
Dasher now pushes his career point total to 854 and now needs 146 to reach 1,000 career points.
Kearing's double-double was his fifth of the season.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#3 FSW (19-1, 2-0 Suncoast) defeated Victory Rock Prep at home by a score of 110-61.
Polk State (13-5, 1-1 Suncoast) defeated St. Pete College (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast) 69-64. The Eagles will travel to Tampa to face HCC Wednesday night, January 15 at 7:30 pm. The Titans will face HCC Saturday afternoon, January 18 at 4 pm at home.
Suncoast Standings:
1. SCF (17-4, 3-0 Suncoast)
2. #3 FSW (19-1, 2-0 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (13-5, 1-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-9, 0-2 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-11, 0-3 Suncoast)
Up Next:
The Manatees will face their biggest challenges in the Suncoast as they travel to Fort Myers to face #3 FSW at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena Wednesday night, January 15 at 7:30 pm.
"We can expect everyone to be busting their tails off for 40 minutes," said Scarborough.
"We have a strong game against FSW," said Bell-Ramos. "We got to focus to come home with the victory and have the winning streak with us
2nd Herd Looks for 3-0 Record in Suncoast
The SCF basketball team (16-4, 2-0 Suncoast) are looking to go 3-0 in Suncoast Conference play as they welcome Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast) to Hal Chasey Gymnasium Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees went on the road in St. Pete for Suncoast play and defeated them 79-72.
As a result of the win the Manatees, who were ranked at #8 in the FCSAA Coaches Poll, bumped up to #6 in the polls.
Soon-to-be 1,000 Brothers:
The sophomore duo of D'Moi Hodge and Isiah Dasher are attempting to have 1,000 career points. Hodge has already reached the milestone and awaits Dasher.
Hodge is averaging 26.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Against SPC, Hodge had 19 points, added six rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. Currently, Hodge has 1,105 career points and 507 points this season. Hodge is attempting to break two scoring record held by James Life 1. Most points in a single season (762) and most career points in program history (1,341). Hodge needs 257 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 238 to break Life's all-time scoring record.
Dasher is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Dasher had 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists against SPC. Dasher is looking to join Hodge and become the second active player to reach 1,000 career points. The native of Jersey City, New Jersey currently has 836 in his career and needs 164 to reach the 1,000 points milestone.
Aside from Dasher and Hodge, the Manatees have provided sparks from freshmen Jordan Clark and Marshall Kearing and redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon.
Clark scored 16 points and added four rebounds, two assists and a steal against SPC. Currently, Clark is averaging 12.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Kearing is averaging 11.5 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game. Kearing had a double-double of a 19 points and 10 rebounds and a block against SPC.
McCutcheon is averaging 5.7 points and 3.9 assists per game. McCutcheon had five points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal against SPC.
Manatees' Hand:
Sophomores Christnoff Scarborough, Max Bell-Ramos and Remy Robert II, redshirt freshman Jaylen Jones and freshmen Sam Grayson and Michael Gavin continue their strong roles as the wild cards.
Scarborough is still averaging 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. Scarborough had two points and a rebound against SPC.
Although he did not play against SPC, Bell-Ramos is averaging 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.
Robert II is averaging 3.9 points per game despite fouling out and adding three rebounds and two assists against SPC.
Jones is averaging five points and 1.2 rebounds per game. Jones had three points and one assist against SPC.
Despite still dealing with knee issues, Grayson is averaging 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He did not play against SPC.
Gavin is averaging 5.4 points per game. He did not play against SPC.
Scouting HCC:
The Hawks opened Suncoast Conference play at home where they fell to #3 FSW by a score of 95-77. Initially, the Hawks were scheduled to face Miami Dade and Indian River State prior to Suncoast play, but due to unplayable conditions and no A/C in the gymnasiums, the two games were cancelled.
Sophomore Michael Cole leads the Hawks averaging 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Cole was shy of a double-double as he finished with 13 points and nine rebounds against FSW.
Classmate Derrick White Jr. follows averaging 10.1 points and three assists per game, while classmate Samson Mack averages 6.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. White Jr. had six points and three assists off the bench FSW, while Mack was held to two points while adding five rebounds.
Series History:
The Manatees are 13-16 against the Hawks with last season being in the Manatees winning the season series 2-1 before winning in the semifinals of the Suncoast Conference Tournament.
Promos:
The promotion for the game is Back to School Night as all students, parents, teachers and school staff will have free admission for the game.
How to Keep Up:
The game will be aired livestream on the SCF Sports Network and fans can also follow along with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
HCC: @HCCFLAthletics
Livstream Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
Last Time Out:
The Manatees went on the road in St. Pete for Suncoast play and defeated them 79-72.
As a result of the win the Manatees, who were ranked at #8 in the FCSAA Coaches Poll, bumped up to #6 in the polls.
Soon-to-be 1,000 Brothers:
The sophomore duo of D'Moi Hodge and Isiah Dasher are attempting to have 1,000 career points. Hodge has already reached the milestone and awaits Dasher.
Hodge is averaging 26.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.1 blocks per game. Against SPC, Hodge had 19 points, added six rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block. Currently, Hodge has 1,105 career points and 507 points this season. Hodge is attempting to break two scoring record held by James Life 1. Most points in a single season (762) and most career points in program history (1,341). Hodge needs 257 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 238 to break Life's all-time scoring record.
Dasher is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. Dasher had 17 points, seven rebounds and two assists against SPC. Dasher is looking to join Hodge and become the second active player to reach 1,000 career points. The native of Jersey City, New Jersey currently has 836 in his career and needs 164 to reach the 1,000 points milestone.
Aside from Dasher and Hodge, the Manatees have provided sparks from freshmen Jordan Clark and Marshall Kearing and redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon.
Clark scored 16 points and added four rebounds, two assists and a steal against SPC. Currently, Clark is averaging 12.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Kearing is averaging 11.5 points, seven rebounds and two blocks per game. Kearing had a double-double of a 19 points and 10 rebounds and a block against SPC.
McCutcheon is averaging 5.7 points and 3.9 assists per game. McCutcheon had five points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal against SPC.
Manatees' Hand:
Sophomores Christnoff Scarborough, Max Bell-Ramos and Remy Robert II, redshirt freshman Jaylen Jones and freshmen Sam Grayson and Michael Gavin continue their strong roles as the wild cards.
Scarborough is still averaging 3.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. Scarborough had two points and a rebound against SPC.
Although he did not play against SPC, Bell-Ramos is averaging 3.3 points and 1.7 rebounds per game.
Robert II is averaging 3.9 points per game despite fouling out and adding three rebounds and two assists against SPC.
Jones is averaging five points and 1.2 rebounds per game. Jones had three points and one assist against SPC.
Despite still dealing with knee issues, Grayson is averaging 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. He did not play against SPC.
Gavin is averaging 5.4 points per game. He did not play against SPC.
Scouting HCC:
The Hawks opened Suncoast Conference play at home where they fell to #3 FSW by a score of 95-77. Initially, the Hawks were scheduled to face Miami Dade and Indian River State prior to Suncoast play, but due to unplayable conditions and no A/C in the gymnasiums, the two games were cancelled.
Sophomore Michael Cole leads the Hawks averaging 13.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Cole was shy of a double-double as he finished with 13 points and nine rebounds against FSW.
Classmate Derrick White Jr. follows averaging 10.1 points and three assists per game, while classmate Samson Mack averages 6.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. White Jr. had six points and three assists off the bench FSW, while Mack was held to two points while adding five rebounds.
Series History:
The Manatees are 13-16 against the Hawks with last season being in the Manatees winning the season series 2-1 before winning in the semifinals of the Suncoast Conference Tournament.
Promos:
The promotion for the game is Back to School Night as all students, parents, teachers and school staff will have free admission for the game.
How to Keep Up:
The game will be aired livestream on the SCF Sports Network and fans can also follow along with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
HCC: @HCCFLAthletics
Livstream Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
FGCU Basketball vs Stetson Recap
The FGCU men's and #25 women's basketball teams pulled away with a sweep in their doubleheader at Stetson. The women (16-2, 3-0 A-SUN) defeated the Lady Hatters (7-9, 1-2 A-SUN) 89-47, while the men (5-14, 2-2 A-SUN) defeated Stetson's men's team (7-11, 1-2 A-SUN) 66-62 in overtime. With the wins, the women are now 26-4 against Stetson while the men are 21-8.
"We played much better today," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We were better defensively, and we moved the ball quicker on offense. Most of our players played really well, too, and I loved the energy from (Kerstie) Phills."
"I thought that was as gritty of a road win as we've had since I've been here; it was a great team effort and we really had some guys step up tonight," said FGCU head coach Michael Fly. "We challenged them tonight to limit Stetson on the offensive glass and to hold them to zero second chance points was a really huge accomplishment. I'm really proud of the fight and resolve that the team had especially when we were down some late."
FGCU WBB:
With the win, the Eagles extended the nation's third-longest conference winning streak to 31 straight and are now 26-4 all-time against the Hatters, including wins in six straight and 15 of the past 16. The 42-point victory was the largest winning margin in series history, and FGCU is also tied with Stony Brook as the only two teams with 16 wins nationally.
Senior Nasrin Ulel and redshirt senior Davion Wingate, who both had 19 points each, combined to shoot 13-for-28 from the field, including a 9-for-18 performance from long distance. The duo made half of FGCU's 18 3-point field goals.
Meanwhile, redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles tallied 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Senior Tytionia Adderly added 14 points and eight rebounds, while redshirt junior Kerstie Phills had 11 points and five boards. Redshirt junior Anja Marinkovic added eight points in seven minutes off the bench in the second half, while redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal produced five assists and four rebounds over 16 minutes.
After a slow start offensively, FGCU scored 19 points over the final 5:22 of the opening quarter. Ulel and Jewett-Giles combined for 17 of those 19 points, while Ulel had 10 points in the frame alone.
After closing the first on a 9-2 run, the Eagles opened the second on a 12-2 run, highlighted by a trio of 3-pointers along with a three-point play from Adderly. With FGCU holding a 34-18 lead, Wingate scored 13 straight for her team over a three-minute stretch to push the advantage to 22 with 4:49 left in the half.
Phills and Ulel combined for the final six points of the half as FGCU took a 27-point lead into the break. Marinkovic then helped the Eagles overcome a 12-point third with an eight-point fourth quarter to help ice the game.
Notes:
FGCU's 18 3-point field goals fell one shy of their season-high that was set against FIU (Nov. 5) and Temple (Dec. 22). In fact, those two outings remain the only two games with 19 by a Division I team against a Division I team this year.
O'Neal remains 18 points shy of 1,000 in her career.
FGCU is now 12-2 all-time as a ranked Division I team.
With her 19 points, Ulel passed Stephanie Haas (1,138, 2012-16) for eighth-place on the program's Division I era career scoring list. She now has 1,150, which is 32 shy of Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) for seventh.
FGCU MBB:
Sophomore Caleb Catto scored a career-high 19 points and junior Jalen Warren scored eight of his 16 points in the overtime win for the Eagles.
FGCU carried a 27-26 lead into halftime, but needed Catto's career-best fifth three-pointer of the day with 17 seconds left in regulation to force the extra stanza. Stetson took an early lead in overtime, but Warren's performance helped lift the Eagles to their second overtime and first road victory of the season.
Catto finished the day going 5-of-7 from three-point range and 7-of-13 overall while adding six rebounds. Warren's 16 points included a 4-of-4 free throw performance with two of them coming in the final 25 seconds of overtime pushing the FGCU lead to four. Rounding out the Eagles' top scorers was sophomore Zach Scott who had 10 points, while senior Tracy Hector tied his career-high with 7 assists to go with five rebounds and three steals.
Stetson led by as many as seven midway through the first half, but a 10-to-2 run for FGCU put the Eagles back ahead, 19-18, at the 7:43 mark. The teams traded leads three more times after that before Warren found freshman Dakota Rivers for the go-ahead dunk just prior to the intermission.
The second half saw both teams trading buckets as the stanza featured 10 lead changes and six ties. With 1:23 to go, Mahamadou Diawara hit a lay-up putting the Hatters up three. Both teams missed jumpers on the ensuing possessions before Catto tied the game, 54-54, with 17 seconds to go. Jahlil Rawley was able to get a shot off just before the buzzer but it was off target sending the game to overtime.
The Hatters scored first in overtime with a triple from Rob Perry and kept the lead for nearly three minutes until a pair of free throws by junior Justus Rainwater tied the game at 60-60.
A running jumper by Warren followed by two free throws put the Eagles up 64-60 with 25 seconds to go. Stetson pulled back within two, but, with 12 seconds to go, Scott hit a pair of free throws to extend the lead to four, 66-62. After a timeout, Perry was able to get off another three-point attempt with two seconds to go, but was just off the mark with Catto clearing the rebound to preserve the win.
Perry finished the night with a game-high 27 points for Stetson as he hit 10-of-18 from the floor and was 5-of-9 from deep. Christiaan Jones rounded out the Hatters' top scorers with 13 points.
Overall, FGCU hit 21-of-48 from the floor and went 18-of-20 from the free throw line for one of its best performances of the year. The Hatters shot 25-of-54 and were limited to just 6-of-10 at the line.
Defensively, the Eagles were able to corral 23 defensive rebounds and did not allow a single second-chance point for the Hatters in the game.
Up Next:
The men will return to action this Thursday, Jan. 16 when Kennesaw State visits Alico Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 PM and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The women will stay on the road to face top-75 RPI North Florida (9-7, 2-1) on Monday at 7 p.m. The Ospreys are the last team to defeat the Eagles in conference play (Feb. 1, 2018, 75-73), which coincidentally also came when FGCU was ranked, although the Eagles were without the services of Adderly in that game.
"We played much better today," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We were better defensively, and we moved the ball quicker on offense. Most of our players played really well, too, and I loved the energy from (Kerstie) Phills."
"I thought that was as gritty of a road win as we've had since I've been here; it was a great team effort and we really had some guys step up tonight," said FGCU head coach Michael Fly. "We challenged them tonight to limit Stetson on the offensive glass and to hold them to zero second chance points was a really huge accomplishment. I'm really proud of the fight and resolve that the team had especially when we were down some late."
FGCU WBB:
With the win, the Eagles extended the nation's third-longest conference winning streak to 31 straight and are now 26-4 all-time against the Hatters, including wins in six straight and 15 of the past 16. The 42-point victory was the largest winning margin in series history, and FGCU is also tied with Stony Brook as the only two teams with 16 wins nationally.
Senior Nasrin Ulel and redshirt senior Davion Wingate, who both had 19 points each, combined to shoot 13-for-28 from the field, including a 9-for-18 performance from long distance. The duo made half of FGCU's 18 3-point field goals.
Meanwhile, redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles tallied 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Senior Tytionia Adderly added 14 points and eight rebounds, while redshirt junior Kerstie Phills had 11 points and five boards. Redshirt junior Anja Marinkovic added eight points in seven minutes off the bench in the second half, while redshirt senior Ashli O'Neal produced five assists and four rebounds over 16 minutes.
After a slow start offensively, FGCU scored 19 points over the final 5:22 of the opening quarter. Ulel and Jewett-Giles combined for 17 of those 19 points, while Ulel had 10 points in the frame alone.
After closing the first on a 9-2 run, the Eagles opened the second on a 12-2 run, highlighted by a trio of 3-pointers along with a three-point play from Adderly. With FGCU holding a 34-18 lead, Wingate scored 13 straight for her team over a three-minute stretch to push the advantage to 22 with 4:49 left in the half.
Phills and Ulel combined for the final six points of the half as FGCU took a 27-point lead into the break. Marinkovic then helped the Eagles overcome a 12-point third with an eight-point fourth quarter to help ice the game.
Notes:
FGCU's 18 3-point field goals fell one shy of their season-high that was set against FIU (Nov. 5) and Temple (Dec. 22). In fact, those two outings remain the only two games with 19 by a Division I team against a Division I team this year.
O'Neal remains 18 points shy of 1,000 in her career.
FGCU is now 12-2 all-time as a ranked Division I team.
With her 19 points, Ulel passed Stephanie Haas (1,138, 2012-16) for eighth-place on the program's Division I era career scoring list. She now has 1,150, which is 32 shy of Adrianne McNally (1,181, 2007-10) for seventh.
FGCU MBB:
Sophomore Caleb Catto scored a career-high 19 points and junior Jalen Warren scored eight of his 16 points in the overtime win for the Eagles.
FGCU carried a 27-26 lead into halftime, but needed Catto's career-best fifth three-pointer of the day with 17 seconds left in regulation to force the extra stanza. Stetson took an early lead in overtime, but Warren's performance helped lift the Eagles to their second overtime and first road victory of the season.
Catto finished the day going 5-of-7 from three-point range and 7-of-13 overall while adding six rebounds. Warren's 16 points included a 4-of-4 free throw performance with two of them coming in the final 25 seconds of overtime pushing the FGCU lead to four. Rounding out the Eagles' top scorers was sophomore Zach Scott who had 10 points, while senior Tracy Hector tied his career-high with 7 assists to go with five rebounds and three steals.
Stetson led by as many as seven midway through the first half, but a 10-to-2 run for FGCU put the Eagles back ahead, 19-18, at the 7:43 mark. The teams traded leads three more times after that before Warren found freshman Dakota Rivers for the go-ahead dunk just prior to the intermission.
The second half saw both teams trading buckets as the stanza featured 10 lead changes and six ties. With 1:23 to go, Mahamadou Diawara hit a lay-up putting the Hatters up three. Both teams missed jumpers on the ensuing possessions before Catto tied the game, 54-54, with 17 seconds to go. Jahlil Rawley was able to get a shot off just before the buzzer but it was off target sending the game to overtime.
The Hatters scored first in overtime with a triple from Rob Perry and kept the lead for nearly three minutes until a pair of free throws by junior Justus Rainwater tied the game at 60-60.
A running jumper by Warren followed by two free throws put the Eagles up 64-60 with 25 seconds to go. Stetson pulled back within two, but, with 12 seconds to go, Scott hit a pair of free throws to extend the lead to four, 66-62. After a timeout, Perry was able to get off another three-point attempt with two seconds to go, but was just off the mark with Catto clearing the rebound to preserve the win.
Perry finished the night with a game-high 27 points for Stetson as he hit 10-of-18 from the floor and was 5-of-9 from deep. Christiaan Jones rounded out the Hatters' top scorers with 13 points.
Overall, FGCU hit 21-of-48 from the floor and went 18-of-20 from the free throw line for one of its best performances of the year. The Hatters shot 25-of-54 and were limited to just 6-of-10 at the line.
Defensively, the Eagles were able to corral 23 defensive rebounds and did not allow a single second-chance point for the Hatters in the game.
Up Next:
The men will return to action this Thursday, Jan. 16 when Kennesaw State visits Alico Arena. Tip-off is set for 7 PM and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The women will stay on the road to face top-75 RPI North Florida (9-7, 2-1) on Monday at 7 p.m. The Ospreys are the last team to defeat the Eagles in conference play (Feb. 1, 2018, 75-73), which coincidentally also came when FGCU was ranked, although the Eagles were without the services of Adderly in that game.
2nd Herd Goes 2-0 in Suncoast
The SCF basketball team (16-4, 2-0 Suncoast) took the moment to shine at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Gymnasium in St. Petersburg as they defeated St. Pete College (9-10, 0-2 Suncoast) 79-72. With the win, the Manatees are now 7-20 against the Titans.
Offensively, four Manatees reached double figures in scoring. Leading the way was the duo of sophomore D'Moi Hodge and freshman Marshall Kearing that led the Manatees as both players each had 19 points. Hodge (8-for-16 FG, 2-for-8 3PT, 1-for-1 FT) added six rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, while Kearing (8-for-13 FG, 3-for-4 FT) added 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season to go along with one block.
Sophomore Isiah Dasher finished with 17 points (6-for-11 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 4-for-7 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Freshman Jordan Clark rounded out the double figure scoring with 16 points (6-for-10 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 1-for-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Redshirt freshmen Calvin McCutcheon (five points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal) and Jaylen Jones (three points and one assist) and sophomores Christnoff Scarborough (two points and a rebound) and Remy Robert II (three rebounds and two assists) also contributed in the game.
For the Titans, freshman Bryan Williams lead the way offensively as he finished with 21 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal. Classmate Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng followed with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Kobie Johnson finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Notes:
Hodge's 19 points put him at 1,105 in his career and has 507 points this season. Hodge is still attempting to break two scoring record held by James Life: 1. Most points in a single season (762) and most career points in program history (1,341). Hodge needs 257 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 238 to break Life's all-time scoring record.
Dasher's 17 points put him at 836 in his career and needs 164 to reach 1,000 career points.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#3 FSW (18-1, 2-0 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast) 95-77 in Tampa. The Buccaneers will return to action at home as they welcome Victory Rock Prep Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm.
Polk State (12-5, 0-1 Suncoast) defeated 4A Sports Academy 108-53. The Eagles will resume Suncoast play as they welcome SPC.
Suncoast Standings:
1. FSW (18-1, 2-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (16-4, 2-0 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (12-5, 0-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-10, 0-2 Suncoast)
Scores in the FCSAA:
#22 Central Florida (17-3, 2-0 Mid-Florida) defeated Eastern Florida State (11-8, 0-2 Mid-Florida) 81-79. The Patriots will face Florida State College (5-10, 1-0 Mid-Florida) at Jacksonville Wednesday night, January 8 at 7 pm. The Titans will play the Daytona State (11-7, 0-1 Mid-Florida) Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm.
RV Miami Dade (14-4) defeated ASA Miami (4-13) 85-81. The Silver Storm will face Indian River State night, January 8 at 7:30 pm to open Southern Conference play.
Florida State College at Jacksonville defeated Eastern Florida State 60-59 to open their part of conference play. The Blue Wave will face #22 CCF Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm, while the Titans play #22 CCF Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm
Indian River State (11-6) defeated Florida National JV (NAIA/USCAA) 117-84. The Pioneers will face Palm Beach State (8-9) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Broward College (9-4) defeated Game Changers Academy 123-77. The Seahawks will face Victory Rock Prep Tuesday night, January 7 at 7 pm.
#12 Tallahassee CC (17-2, 1-0 Panhandle) defeated the Chipola College Indians 73-71. The Eagles will face Northwestern Florida State Raiders Saturday night, January 11 at 8:30 pm.
RV Gulf Coast State (13-3, 1-0 Panhandle) defeated Northwestern Florida State 85-82 in double overtime. The Commodores will face the Pensacola State Pirates (11-6) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Chipola College (12-5, 0-1 Panhandle) will face Northwest Florida State (12-5, 0-1 Panhandle) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Florida Gateway (7-9) will face Webber International's JV team (NAIA) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7 pm.
Pasco-Hernando State (2-10) will face Oxford College of Emory University (5-7) Friday night, January 10 at 7 pm.
Up Next:
The Manatees return home to Hal Chasey Gymnasium as they welcome Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast) Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm
Offensively, four Manatees reached double figures in scoring. Leading the way was the duo of sophomore D'Moi Hodge and freshman Marshall Kearing that led the Manatees as both players each had 19 points. Hodge (8-for-16 FG, 2-for-8 3PT, 1-for-1 FT) added six rebounds, eight assists, three steals and a block, while Kearing (8-for-13 FG, 3-for-4 FT) added 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season to go along with one block.
Sophomore Isiah Dasher finished with 17 points (6-for-11 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 4-for-7 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Freshman Jordan Clark rounded out the double figure scoring with 16 points (6-for-10 FG, 1-for-3 3PT, 1-for-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Redshirt freshmen Calvin McCutcheon (five points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal) and Jaylen Jones (three points and one assist) and sophomores Christnoff Scarborough (two points and a rebound) and Remy Robert II (three rebounds and two assists) also contributed in the game.
For the Titans, freshman Bryan Williams lead the way offensively as he finished with 21 points, two rebounds, eight assists and a steal. Classmate Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng followed with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Kobie Johnson finished with 12 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Notes:
Hodge's 19 points put him at 1,105 in his career and has 507 points this season. Hodge is still attempting to break two scoring record held by James Life: 1. Most points in a single season (762) and most career points in program history (1,341). Hodge needs 257 points to break Life's single season scoring record and 238 to break Life's all-time scoring record.
Dasher's 17 points put him at 836 in his career and needs 164 to reach 1,000 career points.
Other Suncoast Scores:
#3 FSW (18-1, 2-0 Suncoast) defeated Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast) 95-77 in Tampa. The Buccaneers will return to action at home as they welcome Victory Rock Prep Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm.
Polk State (12-5, 0-1 Suncoast) defeated 4A Sports Academy 108-53. The Eagles will resume Suncoast play as they welcome SPC.
Suncoast Standings:
1. FSW (18-1, 2-0 Suncoast)
2. SCF (16-4, 2-0 Suncoast)
3. Polk State (12-5, 0-1 Suncoast)
4. Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast)
5. St. Pete (9-10, 0-2 Suncoast)
Scores in the FCSAA:
#22 Central Florida (17-3, 2-0 Mid-Florida) defeated Eastern Florida State (11-8, 0-2 Mid-Florida) 81-79. The Patriots will face Florida State College (5-10, 1-0 Mid-Florida) at Jacksonville Wednesday night, January 8 at 7 pm. The Titans will play the Daytona State (11-7, 0-1 Mid-Florida) Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm.
RV Miami Dade (14-4) defeated ASA Miami (4-13) 85-81. The Silver Storm will face Indian River State night, January 8 at 7:30 pm to open Southern Conference play.
Florida State College at Jacksonville defeated Eastern Florida State 60-59 to open their part of conference play. The Blue Wave will face #22 CCF Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm, while the Titans play #22 CCF Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm
Indian River State (11-6) defeated Florida National JV (NAIA/USCAA) 117-84. The Pioneers will face Palm Beach State (8-9) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Broward College (9-4) defeated Game Changers Academy 123-77. The Seahawks will face Victory Rock Prep Tuesday night, January 7 at 7 pm.
#12 Tallahassee CC (17-2, 1-0 Panhandle) defeated the Chipola College Indians 73-71. The Eagles will face Northwestern Florida State Raiders Saturday night, January 11 at 8:30 pm.
RV Gulf Coast State (13-3, 1-0 Panhandle) defeated Northwestern Florida State 85-82 in double overtime. The Commodores will face the Pensacola State Pirates (11-6) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Chipola College (12-5, 0-1 Panhandle) will face Northwest Florida State (12-5, 0-1 Panhandle) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7:30 pm.
Florida Gateway (7-9) will face Webber International's JV team (NAIA) Wednesday night, January 8 at 7 pm.
Pasco-Hernando State (2-10) will face Oxford College of Emory University (5-7) Friday night, January 10 at 7 pm.
Up Next:
The Manatees return home to Hal Chasey Gymnasium as they welcome Hillsborough (8-8, 0-1 Suncoast) Saturday afternoon, January 11 at 4 pm
FGCU S&D vs Stony Brook Recap
The FGCU swimming & diving team earned over a 100-point margin of victory in its dual against Stony Brook on Saturday afternoon at the FGCU Aquatics Complex. The Eagles (8-5-1, 4-1 CCSA) defeated the SeaWolves by a score of 178-65 through 13 events.
Senior Cassidy Fry and freshman Julia Rodriguez were the highest-scoring individual swimmers of the day, combining for 31 total points. Fry earned first-place finishes in both the 100- and 50-yard freestyle events, while Rodriguez touched the wall first in the 500 Free and placed second in the 200 IM.
The Eagles were also boosted by another strong performance by freshman diver Reese Wakefield, who swept the 1m and 3m boards for the second-straight week. Wakefield outscored opponents by almost a combined total of 50 points through both events.
"It was a great day," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Some of the athletes got another shot at the events they competed in a week ago, but most of them had the chance to swim something completely different. When it comes to swimming different events, you never know what to expect, but they did a great job. The support is always there and they're always cheering each other on. It's great that we have the strength to be flexible in our lineup. For instance, Julia (Rodriguez) swam the 500 Free, which is not necessarily in her wheel house, but for she came out and won the event which was really neat."
Including Fry and Rodriguez, seven different Eagles earned first-place finishes in the meet against Stony Brook (4-5, 0-1 America East). Both senior Elizabeth White and freshman Claire McAtee tallied 12 points apiece, as they each contributed first and third-place finishes. White won the 100 Breast and finished third in the mile, while McAtee claimed the 100 Back and finished third in the 50 Free.
Freshman Hannah VanDress, sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka and junior Petra Halmai added top finishes for the Green and Blue, as well. VanDress finished first in the mile, Czarnecka won the 100 Fly and Halmai was triumphant in the 200 Free.
In addition to individual success, the Eagles picked up a pair of wins in both relay events. The team of freshman Lucija Sulenta, Halmai, Rodriguez and freshman Kaja Reinhardt won the 400-yard medley relay by over six seconds to open up the meet. The group of sophomore Joely Merriman, Sulenta, Czarnecka and Halmai finished the day with a victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay.
Of today's 13 events, the Eagles finished first in all but the 200 IM, where Stony Brook's Reagan McDonald edged Rodriguez by just 0.01 seconds.
The meet against the SeaWolves marked the second-to-last time that the Green and Blue will compete at the FGCU Aquatics Complex this season. The team's last home meet will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25 and will feature a matchup against the FIU Panthers. Prior to the competition, Rollins and his staff will honor the six members of this year's graduating class.
Before the meet against the Panthers, the Eagles are set to hit the road for back-to-back clashes with FAU (Jan. 17) and Miami (Jan. 18). Competition against the Owls is slated for a 5 p.m. start time at the FAU Aquatic Center. The following day, FGCU will face off against the Hurricanes at Noon at the Norman Whitten Pool.
Senior Cassidy Fry and freshman Julia Rodriguez were the highest-scoring individual swimmers of the day, combining for 31 total points. Fry earned first-place finishes in both the 100- and 50-yard freestyle events, while Rodriguez touched the wall first in the 500 Free and placed second in the 200 IM.
The Eagles were also boosted by another strong performance by freshman diver Reese Wakefield, who swept the 1m and 3m boards for the second-straight week. Wakefield outscored opponents by almost a combined total of 50 points through both events.
"It was a great day," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Some of the athletes got another shot at the events they competed in a week ago, but most of them had the chance to swim something completely different. When it comes to swimming different events, you never know what to expect, but they did a great job. The support is always there and they're always cheering each other on. It's great that we have the strength to be flexible in our lineup. For instance, Julia (Rodriguez) swam the 500 Free, which is not necessarily in her wheel house, but for she came out and won the event which was really neat."
Including Fry and Rodriguez, seven different Eagles earned first-place finishes in the meet against Stony Brook (4-5, 0-1 America East). Both senior Elizabeth White and freshman Claire McAtee tallied 12 points apiece, as they each contributed first and third-place finishes. White won the 100 Breast and finished third in the mile, while McAtee claimed the 100 Back and finished third in the 50 Free.
Freshman Hannah VanDress, sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka and junior Petra Halmai added top finishes for the Green and Blue, as well. VanDress finished first in the mile, Czarnecka won the 100 Fly and Halmai was triumphant in the 200 Free.
In addition to individual success, the Eagles picked up a pair of wins in both relay events. The team of freshman Lucija Sulenta, Halmai, Rodriguez and freshman Kaja Reinhardt won the 400-yard medley relay by over six seconds to open up the meet. The group of sophomore Joely Merriman, Sulenta, Czarnecka and Halmai finished the day with a victory in the 200-yard freestyle relay.
Of today's 13 events, the Eagles finished first in all but the 200 IM, where Stony Brook's Reagan McDonald edged Rodriguez by just 0.01 seconds.
The meet against the SeaWolves marked the second-to-last time that the Green and Blue will compete at the FGCU Aquatics Complex this season. The team's last home meet will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25 and will feature a matchup against the FIU Panthers. Prior to the competition, Rollins and his staff will honor the six members of this year's graduating class.
Before the meet against the Panthers, the Eagles are set to hit the road for back-to-back clashes with FAU (Jan. 17) and Miami (Jan. 18). Competition against the Owls is slated for a 5 p.m. start time at the FAU Aquatic Center. The following day, FGCU will face off against the Hurricanes at Noon at the Norman Whitten Pool.
SCF Baseball Open Season on Neutral Grounds
The SCF baseball team is now ready for 2020 as they begin their season on neutral grounds as they travel to North Port to take on Florida Southwestern Tuesday night, January 28 at 6 pm at CoolToday Park. The game will not count toward Suncoast Conference play.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off finishing the 2019 season with a 38-20 overall record and a 20-11 record in the Suncoast where they finished in second behind FSW. They defeated Hillsborough in a playoff game to qualify for the FCSAA State Tournament where they went 2-2 before their season ended.
The Manatees are led by head coach Tim Hill II or Coach 21 as everyone calls him at times. Hill enters his seventh season as head coach for the Manatees after taking over for his late father, Tim Hill Sr., on June 30, 2012. Since being head coach, Hill has put together a 263-129-2 overall record. Hill is joined by Barry Batson, Dave Moates and Don Robinson as his assistant coaches, as well as Batson's son, Caleb, as student manager.
New Bloods:
The team has lost 15 sophomores who have graduated from SCF and continue to play baseball elsewhere: Brian Dillingham, Shane Shifflett, Josh Bonynge, Josh Crouch, John Shields, Giovany Lorenzo, Nick Long, Corey Ireson, Bryce Hulett, Collin Moore, Cole Beavin, Hunter Perdue, Chris Holcomb, Brock Bell and Aaron Brown. Bell was the only player from SCF to be selected in the MLB Draft as he was drafted to the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round (227th overall pick).
Nevertheless, Hill managed to secure 18 freshmen and nine transfers with five coming from a Power 5 Conference school: Cole Ayers (Kentucky), Rook Ellington (Kentucky), Jakob Mattos (Coastal Carolina), Jamarcus Lyons (UCF), Aaron McKeithan (Tulane), John Malcom (Vanderbilt), Justin Wrobleski (Clemson), Jake Smith (UNC), Tony Rossi (West Florida: NCAA DII) and Daniel Batcher (West Virginia). Batcher transferred from WVU as a freshman after completing the 2019 fall semester prior to arriving at SCF and will have two years of eligibility.
After the 2020 season, Ayers and Wrobleski will attend Oklahoma State and Lyons will attend the University of Tampa (NCAA DII).
Key returners for the Manatees include Nick Winkelmeyer, Remi Patry and Logan Frasier.
Winkelmeyer batted .317 last season with a home run, 20 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He was named a member of the All-Suncoast Second Team. Winkelmeyer will join Lyons and attend the University of Tampa upon the completion of the 2020 season.
Patry, a native of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, finished last season batting .292 with a home run and 16 RBI.
A local pitcher that plays as a reliever, Fraiser finished last season with a 2-1 record, 5.45 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Following his sophomore year, Fraiser will be attending Bryant University for the 2020-21 school year.
Scouting FSW:
The Buccaneers are led by head coach Ben Bizier, who enters his second season as head coach. The Buccaneers finished last season 40-14 overall with a 21-9 record in the Suncoast while placing at #3 in the NJCAA Region 8 Baseball Coaches Polls and #18 in the national poll. They would claim the Suncoast Conference Regular Season Championship before being the second team eliminated in the FCSAA State Tournament.
The Buccaneers lost 11 sophomores, which included their home run hitters in Tyler Solomon and Jose Marcano and pitchers Mitch Myers and Ryan Gusto. They did manage to land 17 freshmen on the team.
Key returners for the Buccaneers include Robert Weigielnik, Connor Bagnieski and Drake Dobyanski.
Weigielnik went 4-0 with a 3.25 ERA, 20 strikeouts and two saves.
Dobyanski batted .243 with three home runs, 18 RBI and 32 stolen bases
Bagnieski batted .269 with two home runs, 32 RBI and 26 stolen bases.
Series History (2015-present):
The Manatees hold a 16-8 overall record against the Buccaneers in which last they split the series 3-3 last season.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFBaseball
FSW: @FSWBucs
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off finishing the 2019 season with a 38-20 overall record and a 20-11 record in the Suncoast where they finished in second behind FSW. They defeated Hillsborough in a playoff game to qualify for the FCSAA State Tournament where they went 2-2 before their season ended.
The Manatees are led by head coach Tim Hill II or Coach 21 as everyone calls him at times. Hill enters his seventh season as head coach for the Manatees after taking over for his late father, Tim Hill Sr., on June 30, 2012. Since being head coach, Hill has put together a 263-129-2 overall record. Hill is joined by Barry Batson, Dave Moates and Don Robinson as his assistant coaches, as well as Batson's son, Caleb, as student manager.
New Bloods:
The team has lost 15 sophomores who have graduated from SCF and continue to play baseball elsewhere: Brian Dillingham, Shane Shifflett, Josh Bonynge, Josh Crouch, John Shields, Giovany Lorenzo, Nick Long, Corey Ireson, Bryce Hulett, Collin Moore, Cole Beavin, Hunter Perdue, Chris Holcomb, Brock Bell and Aaron Brown. Bell was the only player from SCF to be selected in the MLB Draft as he was drafted to the Boston Red Sox in the seventh round (227th overall pick).
Nevertheless, Hill managed to secure 18 freshmen and nine transfers with five coming from a Power 5 Conference school: Cole Ayers (Kentucky), Rook Ellington (Kentucky), Jakob Mattos (Coastal Carolina), Jamarcus Lyons (UCF), Aaron McKeithan (Tulane), John Malcom (Vanderbilt), Justin Wrobleski (Clemson), Jake Smith (UNC), Tony Rossi (West Florida: NCAA DII) and Daniel Batcher (West Virginia). Batcher transferred from WVU as a freshman after completing the 2019 fall semester prior to arriving at SCF and will have two years of eligibility.
After the 2020 season, Ayers and Wrobleski will attend Oklahoma State and Lyons will attend the University of Tampa (NCAA DII).
Key returners for the Manatees include Nick Winkelmeyer, Remi Patry and Logan Frasier.
Winkelmeyer batted .317 last season with a home run, 20 RBI and 12 stolen bases. He was named a member of the All-Suncoast Second Team. Winkelmeyer will join Lyons and attend the University of Tampa upon the completion of the 2020 season.
Patry, a native of Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, finished last season batting .292 with a home run and 16 RBI.
A local pitcher that plays as a reliever, Fraiser finished last season with a 2-1 record, 5.45 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Following his sophomore year, Fraiser will be attending Bryant University for the 2020-21 school year.
Scouting FSW:
The Buccaneers are led by head coach Ben Bizier, who enters his second season as head coach. The Buccaneers finished last season 40-14 overall with a 21-9 record in the Suncoast while placing at #3 in the NJCAA Region 8 Baseball Coaches Polls and #18 in the national poll. They would claim the Suncoast Conference Regular Season Championship before being the second team eliminated in the FCSAA State Tournament.
The Buccaneers lost 11 sophomores, which included their home run hitters in Tyler Solomon and Jose Marcano and pitchers Mitch Myers and Ryan Gusto. They did manage to land 17 freshmen on the team.
Key returners for the Buccaneers include Robert Weigielnik, Connor Bagnieski and Drake Dobyanski.
Weigielnik went 4-0 with a 3.25 ERA, 20 strikeouts and two saves.
Dobyanski batted .243 with three home runs, 18 RBI and 32 stolen bases
Bagnieski batted .269 with two home runs, 32 RBI and 26 stolen bases.
Series History (2015-present):
The Manatees hold a 16-8 overall record against the Buccaneers in which last they split the series 3-3 last season.
How to Keep Up:
Fans can keep up with both teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFBaseball
FSW: @FSWBucs
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