FGCU MBB @ Lipscomb Recap

 A total of 23 points for the Bison off 19 Eagles turnovers proved the difference maker on Saturday evening as Lipscomb (12-14, 7-6 A-SUN) defeated the FGCU men's basketball team (8-20, 5-8 A-SUN) 64-54 at Allen Arena.

"The turnovers tonight and the points Lipscomb scored off them were the name of the game," said head coach Michael Fly. "We actually defended pretty well holding them to 38-percent from the floor and, overall, I thought we shot pretty well. But you can't turn the ball over like we did and have them lead to points on the other end. We've got a week to regroup and to get ready for NJIT."

Sophomore Zach Scott led FGCU with 12 points, highlighted by four three pointers, while adding five rebounds. Junior Jalen Warren added 10 points, while freshman Cyrus Largie had career-highs in both points (9) and rebounds (8). Freshman Dakota Rivers also had nine points after hitting three second-half three points.

Lipscomb was led by Greg Jones who scored a game-high 24 points, while Ahsan Asadullah notched a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Miles Miller rounded out the top scorers with 11 points.

FGCU did secure a spot in the upcoming A-SUN Tournament field with a Kennesaw State loss earlier in the day. The Eagles now sit tied with North Alabama for sixth in the A-SUN standings while Lipscomb moved into fourth with the win.

Overall, the Bison held a plus-13 advantage in points off turnovers (23-to-10). Both teams hit 20 field goals in the game, but the free throw line also tilted in Lipscomb's favor. The Bison hit 17-of-21 from the charity stripe compared to 5-of-7 for FGCU.

The Eagles jumped out to an early 8-2 lead to start the game, but Lipscomb took advantage of FGCU turnovers to score 13 straight points. Eight of those came off turnovers putting the Bison up 15-8 at the 12 minute mark. A pair of three pointers from junior Sam Gagliardi and Scott pulled the Eagles within one, 15-14, three minutes later.

Lipscomb was able to stretch the lead back to seven twice after that but a jumper from Malik Hardy with 3:33 to go cut the deficit to 26-21. That proved the last field goal of the half for the Eagles. The Bison were held scoreless from the field, but did convert six free throw attempts over that stretch taking a 32-21 lead into the intermission.

In the second half, FGCU was able to trim the deficit to eight on a Scott three pointer in the first 90 seconds of play, but Lipscomb pushed the lead to 20 over the next seven minutes. The Eagles shaved seven points off the Bison lead to trail 50-37 at the 8:53 mark, but could not get any closer until a Largie lay-up with one second to go gave the final score.