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+.