Entering as the No. 12 seed in the Lexington Regional of the women’s national basketball tournament, the FGCU women’s basketball team (31-8) battled and maintained their lead throughout the whole game eliminating No. 5 seed Missouri (24-8) 80-70 in the first round of the NCAA National Tournament in Stanford, Cal. This was the Eagles second national tournament win and the second time in program history that they made it to the second round of the tournament since the 2014-15 season.
"Obviously it was a great win for our program and a great effort by every kid we had that got on the floor," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "They all contributed in a big way to the success at different points during the game, and I'm proud of them."
Missouri, an at-large selection out of the SEC that defeated three nationally-ranked teams during the year, including defending national champion South Carolina, became the third nationally-ranked opponent FGCU has defeated this year (#20 Kentucky, #21 Depaul). The Tigers came into the contest ranked No. 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.
"It's an upset in terms of seeding, but we definitely came in with the mindset that this was a game we can win if we executed at a high level," Smesko added. "A big thing that we emphasized was the last four times we've been here, we performed well. But at the beginning of each game, there was a sense of a little bit of nervousness or tension, and we never got off to good starts. So we made a real emphasis this time to let our team know, hey, you belong here; you're just as good."
The Eagles closed the first 10 minutes of the first quarter with a 6-0 run including a buzzer-beating layup from senior Rosemarie Julien and maintained the lead, settling for a 41-32 halftime lead.
FGCU’s lead got as large as 13, 45-32, following a pair of Julien free throws in the early minutes of 3rd quarter, but the Tigers whittled their deficit down to as little as four at 54-50. However, the Eagles responded with a patented yet unexpected 3-point shot from sophomore Tytionia Adderly which extended the lead for the Eagles back to seven, 57-50. The Eagles added another point to their advantage in the closing minute and carried a 61-53 lead into the 4th quarter.
Entering the 4th quarter, sophomore Nasrin Ulel to push the FGCU lead back to 10, 63-53 with an opening layup. From there, the Eagles maintained their lead to the end of the game by double figures despite taking many punches from Missouri All-American Sophie Cunningham had as she led all scorers with 35 points, including going 14-16 from the free-throw line. Cunningham was the only Tiger in double figures.
The Eagles had four players in double figures: Julien (12), senior Erica Nelson (11), and redshirt seniors China Dow (21) and Jessica Cattani (10).
Adderly finished with seven points and nine rebounds with three of them being on the offensive side With her three offensive boards, Adderly now has 239 career offensive rebounds and is two away from passing Adrianne McNally (240) for second all-time in that category.
Nelson added four assists and Julien added one rebound and one assist before both fouled out.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka finished with seven points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Eagles hit seven 3-pointers in the game and need 15 to break the all-time NCAA single-season record for 3-pointers made held by Sacramento State (424).
The Eagles return to action as they play No. 4 seed Stanford who defeated No. 11 seed Gonzaga 82-68 following FGCU’s win. The Game will start at 9 P.M. EST/6 P.M. PST on Monday.
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Showing posts with label FGCU Women's Basketball 2017-18. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FGCU Women's Basketball 2017-18. Show all posts
FGCU WBB: Going Dancing...Again
We going dancing this year yet again. Raining 3s is on the hunt again. The FGCU women's basketball team (30-4) avenged losing the A-SUN Conference Tournament championship game from two years ago as they defeated the Jacksonville (24-8) 68-58. With the win, the Eagles are not only 23-3 against JU overall and are not just A-SUN Conference champions, but they have punched their ticket to the 2018 NCAA national tournament. The Eagles clinched the program's fifth 30 win season, including the third of the Division-I era. They join the 2002-03 (30-1), 2006-07 (34-1), 2014-15 (31-3) and 2015-16 (33-6) teams.
"I'm just really proud of the effort our young ladies had out there," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Jacksonville is an excellent team. They're definitely one of the most physical teams we ever play. It's always a challenge for us. We found a way to compete on the boards with a great rebounding team. We had players step up and just have outstanding performances that helped with a very tight, contested game."
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First team member Rose Julien lead the way offensively with 19 points (6-for-12 FG, 1-for-4 3FG, 6-for-6 FT) and six rebounds.
Senior Erica Nelson finished with nine points (3-for-4 FG, 3-for-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel contributed with one rebound and one block.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had two points, eight rebounds (six offensive, two defensive) and three steals. With her six offensive boards, Adderly tied Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan finished with three points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Grandjian's three points came from behind the Arc. She now has 299 career 3-pointers made.
Off the Bench, redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow finished with 18 points (6-for-18 FG, 2-for-6 3FG, 4-for-8 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had a season-high 17 points (7-for-13 FG, 1-for-2 3FG, 2-for-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and three steals.
"It's a tough loss for us. We had opportunities to take advantage of some situations and we just couldn't put enough stops together; we couldn't convert enough on the offensive end," stated head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "If we're going to lose to someone, I'd want it to be to the number one team. Just us getting here, I'm very proud of."
For the Dolphins, senior Naqaiyyah Teague had 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member and A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year Kayla Gordon had eight points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Junior A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Jasmyn Brown had seven points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
Senior Brandi Buie had seven points, two rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Junior Lindsay John had three points and two assists.
Off the Dolphins, redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt had 12 points, one rebound, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Alexis Burns had two points and two rebounds.
Redshirt junior La'Karis Salter had two points, one rebound and one steal.
At the end of the conference, the A-SUN All-Tournament Team was announced:
Representing JU was Teague and Brown.
"I'm proud of our team. This is our most winning season and on the bright side, it's fortunate that we can still play. We'll see where we go in the WNIT and continue to try to represent the university and the program as best as possible. I'm just proud to think that we made history multiple times this season and I look forward to the future," added McPhee-McCuin.
For FGCU, it was Julien, Zderadicka and Dow. Dow was also named A-SUN All-Tournament Team MVP for the second straight year, and the first back-to-back A-SUN tournament MVP since Siarre Evans of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member, A-SUN All-Academic Team member and A-SUN Player of the Year Loren Cagle from Lipscomb and redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Keonna Farmer from UNF were also named members of the All-Tournament Team, but were not in attendance due to being eliminated from their respected semifinal games.
As it sits, all, along with FGCU, the other 31 teams have also punched their tickets to the national tournament:
ACC: #3 Louisville
AEC: Maine.
AAC: #1 U-Conn
A-10: George Washington.
Big 12: Baylor
Big East: Depaul
Big Sky: Northern Colorado
Big South: Liberty
Big Ten: Ohio State
Big West: Cal State Northridge
Colonial: Elon
C-USA: Western Kentucky
Horizon: Green Bay
Ivy: Princeton
MAAC: Quinnipiac
MAC: Central Michigan
MEAC: NC A&T
MVC: Drake
MWC: Boise St.
NEC: St. Francis (PA)
OVC: Belmont
Pac-12: Oregon
Patriot: American
SEC: South Carolina
Southern: Mercer
Southland: Nicholls St.
SWAC: Grambling St.
Summit: South Dakota St.
Sun Belt: Little Rock
WCC: Gonzaga
WAC: Seattle
For Northern Colorado, Mercer, Nicholls St. and Seattle, this is their first times going to the NCAA national tournament in their programs history.
Up next, FGCU will find out who they will play in the first round of the national and what seed they will be and what regional they will be in. It will all be determined by a selection show on Monday, March 13 at 7 P.M.
To close this blog, I want to say I was so happy for this moment. This is my third A-SUN Conference women's basketball tournament I've been to.
When I first came to FGCU, we lost to JU at home and had to play in the WNIT.
Last year, I went to the conference tournament finals at Stetson and we won before falling to Miami in the first round of the national tournament.
Now in 2018, I got to see the ladies win one last time before I graduate. I have never been so ecstatic like this. I want to say thank you to the whole team and to the cheerleaders and basketball band for keep the spirit up for them and the team.
This was my last conference tournament as a student and I'm happy that I ended part of 2018 on a good note with another conference tournament championship to witness.
Below are pics of the team cutting off the net and me with some of the basketball players and cheerleaders:
"I'm just really proud of the effort our young ladies had out there," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Jacksonville is an excellent team. They're definitely one of the most physical teams we ever play. It's always a challenge for us. We found a way to compete on the boards with a great rebounding team. We had players step up and just have outstanding performances that helped with a very tight, contested game."
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First team member Rose Julien lead the way offensively with 19 points (6-for-12 FG, 1-for-4 3FG, 6-for-6 FT) and six rebounds.
Senior Erica Nelson finished with nine points (3-for-4 FG, 3-for-3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel contributed with one rebound and one block.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had two points, eight rebounds (six offensive, two defensive) and three steals. With her six offensive boards, Adderly tied Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan finished with three points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Grandjian's three points came from behind the Arc. She now has 299 career 3-pointers made.
Off the Bench, redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow finished with 18 points (6-for-18 FG, 2-for-6 3FG, 4-for-8 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had a season-high 17 points (7-for-13 FG, 1-for-2 3FG, 2-for-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and three steals.
"It's a tough loss for us. We had opportunities to take advantage of some situations and we just couldn't put enough stops together; we couldn't convert enough on the offensive end," stated head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "If we're going to lose to someone, I'd want it to be to the number one team. Just us getting here, I'm very proud of."
For the Dolphins, senior Naqaiyyah Teague had 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member and A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year Kayla Gordon had eight points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Junior A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Jasmyn Brown had seven points, two rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
Senior Brandi Buie had seven points, two rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Junior Lindsay John had three points and two assists.
Off the Dolphins, redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt had 12 points, one rebound, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Alexis Burns had two points and two rebounds.
Redshirt junior La'Karis Salter had two points, one rebound and one steal.
At the end of the conference, the A-SUN All-Tournament Team was announced:
Representing JU was Teague and Brown.
"I'm proud of our team. This is our most winning season and on the bright side, it's fortunate that we can still play. We'll see where we go in the WNIT and continue to try to represent the university and the program as best as possible. I'm just proud to think that we made history multiple times this season and I look forward to the future," added McPhee-McCuin.
For FGCU, it was Julien, Zderadicka and Dow. Dow was also named A-SUN All-Tournament Team MVP for the second straight year, and the first back-to-back A-SUN tournament MVP since Siarre Evans of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member, A-SUN All-Academic Team member and A-SUN Player of the Year Loren Cagle from Lipscomb and redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Keonna Farmer from UNF were also named members of the All-Tournament Team, but were not in attendance due to being eliminated from their respected semifinal games.
As it sits, all, along with FGCU, the other 31 teams have also punched their tickets to the national tournament:
ACC: #3 Louisville
AEC: Maine.
AAC: #1 U-Conn
A-10: George Washington.
Big 12: Baylor
Big East: Depaul
Big Sky: Northern Colorado
Big South: Liberty
Big Ten: Ohio State
Big West: Cal State Northridge
Colonial: Elon
C-USA: Western Kentucky
Horizon: Green Bay
Ivy: Princeton
MAAC: Quinnipiac
MAC: Central Michigan
MEAC: NC A&T
MVC: Drake
MWC: Boise St.
NEC: St. Francis (PA)
OVC: Belmont
Pac-12: Oregon
Patriot: American
SEC: South Carolina
Southern: Mercer
Southland: Nicholls St.
SWAC: Grambling St.
Summit: South Dakota St.
Sun Belt: Little Rock
WCC: Gonzaga
WAC: Seattle
For Northern Colorado, Mercer, Nicholls St. and Seattle, this is their first times going to the NCAA national tournament in their programs history.
Up next, FGCU will find out who they will play in the first round of the national and what seed they will be and what regional they will be in. It will all be determined by a selection show on Monday, March 13 at 7 P.M.
To close this blog, I want to say I was so happy for this moment. This is my third A-SUN Conference women's basketball tournament I've been to.
When I first came to FGCU, we lost to JU at home and had to play in the WNIT.
Last year, I went to the conference tournament finals at Stetson and we won before falling to Miami in the first round of the national tournament.
Now in 2018, I got to see the ladies win one last time before I graduate. I have never been so ecstatic like this. I want to say thank you to the whole team and to the cheerleaders and basketball band for keep the spirit up for them and the team.
This was my last conference tournament as a student and I'm happy that I ended part of 2018 on a good note with another conference tournament championship to witness.
Below are pics of the team cutting off the net and me with some of the basketball players and cheerleaders:
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| I got to hold the A-SUN Conference Tournament trophy (yes, it was heavy) |
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| With senior cheerleader Brittany Borman |
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| With redshirt junior Keri Jewett-Giles |
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| With redshirt freshman Tyra Cox |
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| A selfie with redshirt senior Jessica Cattani |
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| With freshman Alyssa Blair |
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| With freshman Sheahen Dowling |
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| With junior cheer captain Caragan Phillips |
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| With sophomore Paige Pitkin and senior Ernest Dorman |
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| With Dorman |
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| With Pitkin |
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| With freshman Joe Wright |
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| With senior Zahra Fayad |
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| With redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan |
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| With Nelson |
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| With Ulel |
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| Grandijan holding the net in victory |
FGCU WBB: A-SUN Tournament Championship Finals Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team (29-4, 5-0) prepare for the final draw for the national tournament as they face Jacksonville (24-7) in the A-Sun Conference Tournament Finals.
Here's the scenario for both teams: if FGCU, The No. 1 seed in the tournament, wins the conference tournament finals, they will go to the national tournament and the No. 2 seed Dolphins will more than likely not be eligible for a postseason tournament. If the Dolphins win, then they will go to the national tournament. But where does that leave the Eagles? Well since the Eagles won the season championship, if they lose, then they will automatically be in the WNIT, but the Eagles can get an at-large bid for the national tournament is determined by record, ranking, strength of schedule and their RPI ranking. Currently, FGCU's RPI is 52 while JU is 98.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles recently played in the semifinals of the A-SUN Conference Tournament where they defeated Lipscomb by a score of 105-55. This was the first 100 point game the Eagles had this season. The Eagles broke their own program record for 3-pointers made in a game (22)
Senior Rose Julien continues to lead the way offensively. Named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, Julien is averaging 13.3 points per game and free throw percentage (.832). Julien was held scoreless against Lipscomb, but contributed with six rebounds and two blocks.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly continues to be the main rebounder of the team. Adderly, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference Second Team is averaging 7.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. In her game against Lipscomb, Adderly five points and seven rebounds, in which four of them being offensive. Adderly is fourth all-time in career offensive rebounds (227). Adderly is 10 offensive rebounds away from surpassing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10.4 points per game. Grandijan, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Acadmic Team for the third straight year, had 16 points against Lipscomb. The rare sixth-year senior has 1,226 career points 3-pointer Grandijan is 38 away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (1,263) for fifth all-time. Also, in the game against Lipscomb, Grandijan shot four 3-pointers. Grandijan passed former WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers with 298. She is 33 away from passing Jacobsen (330) for first all-time in career 3's.
Senior Erica Nelson is averaging 8.3 points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Nelson had nine points, six assists and two steals against Lipscomb. In addition, Nelson also added two blocks which gives her 23 in her career and ties her with Haley Laughter for 11th all-time.
Bench Role Sparks:
Remaining as the key sparks off the bench are redshirt seniors Jessica Cattani and China Dow and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka.
Cattani is averaging 7.3 points per game. She scored 13 points against Lipscomb.
Dow is second on the team in points per game (11.6) and has been a key role for the bench. Dow, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, had a season high 30 points against Lipscomb. The Louisville native added six rebounds and was 8-10 behind the arc
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points and 2.9 assists per game. The Vienna, Austria native and Houston Baptist transfer had eight points and three assists against Lipscomb.
Scouting Lady Dolphins:
The Lady Dolphins played against crosstown rival UNF in the other semifinal game. They would defeat the Ospreys 83-77 in overtime.
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.5 points. Brown, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference Second Team, scored 15 against UNF.
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 11.3 points per game. Against UNF, Buie scored 15 points.
Senior Kayla Gordon is averaging 12.4 points and 9.7 per game. Gordon, who was named a the A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, had 17 points and eight rebounds against UNF.
Series History:
FGCU is 22-3 against JU. FGCU swept the season series this year with JU winning 63-58 at home and 65-33 at JU. Last time both teams met in the A-SUN Conference Tournament finals was during the 2015-16 season when JU upset FGCU at the Alico Arena winning 56-54.
The game will air on ESPN 3 at 3 P.M. and live stats will be provided. The game will also be heard on the radio on stations 94.1 (South Fort Myers/Estero), 103.3 (Cape Coral/Fort Myers) and 105.9 (Naples/Bonita Springs).
The game is also dubbed as a Whiteout as marketing is encouraging students and fans to wear white to the game.
Here's the scenario for both teams: if FGCU, The No. 1 seed in the tournament, wins the conference tournament finals, they will go to the national tournament and the No. 2 seed Dolphins will more than likely not be eligible for a postseason tournament. If the Dolphins win, then they will go to the national tournament. But where does that leave the Eagles? Well since the Eagles won the season championship, if they lose, then they will automatically be in the WNIT, but the Eagles can get an at-large bid for the national tournament is determined by record, ranking, strength of schedule and their RPI ranking. Currently, FGCU's RPI is 52 while JU is 98.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles recently played in the semifinals of the A-SUN Conference Tournament where they defeated Lipscomb by a score of 105-55. This was the first 100 point game the Eagles had this season. The Eagles broke their own program record for 3-pointers made in a game (22)
Senior Rose Julien continues to lead the way offensively. Named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, Julien is averaging 13.3 points per game and free throw percentage (.832). Julien was held scoreless against Lipscomb, but contributed with six rebounds and two blocks.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly continues to be the main rebounder of the team. Adderly, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference Second Team is averaging 7.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. In her game against Lipscomb, Adderly five points and seven rebounds, in which four of them being offensive. Adderly is fourth all-time in career offensive rebounds (227). Adderly is 10 offensive rebounds away from surpassing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10.4 points per game. Grandijan, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Acadmic Team for the third straight year, had 16 points against Lipscomb. The rare sixth-year senior has 1,226 career points 3-pointer Grandijan is 38 away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (1,263) for fifth all-time. Also, in the game against Lipscomb, Grandijan shot four 3-pointers. Grandijan passed former WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers with 298. She is 33 away from passing Jacobsen (330) for first all-time in career 3's.
Senior Erica Nelson is averaging 8.3 points, 3.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Nelson had nine points, six assists and two steals against Lipscomb. In addition, Nelson also added two blocks which gives her 23 in her career and ties her with Haley Laughter for 11th all-time.
Bench Role Sparks:
Remaining as the key sparks off the bench are redshirt seniors Jessica Cattani and China Dow and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka.
Cattani is averaging 7.3 points per game. She scored 13 points against Lipscomb.
Dow is second on the team in points per game (11.6) and has been a key role for the bench. Dow, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, had a season high 30 points against Lipscomb. The Louisville native added six rebounds and was 8-10 behind the arc
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points and 2.9 assists per game. The Vienna, Austria native and Houston Baptist transfer had eight points and three assists against Lipscomb.
Scouting Lady Dolphins:
The Lady Dolphins played against crosstown rival UNF in the other semifinal game. They would defeat the Ospreys 83-77 in overtime.
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.5 points. Brown, who was named a member of the A-SUN All-Conference Second Team, scored 15 against UNF.
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 11.3 points per game. Against UNF, Buie scored 15 points.
Senior Kayla Gordon is averaging 12.4 points and 9.7 per game. Gordon, who was named a the A-SUN Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the A-SUN All-Conference First Team, had 17 points and eight rebounds against UNF.
Series History:
FGCU is 22-3 against JU. FGCU swept the season series this year with JU winning 63-58 at home and 65-33 at JU. Last time both teams met in the A-SUN Conference Tournament finals was during the 2015-16 season when JU upset FGCU at the Alico Arena winning 56-54.
The game will air on ESPN 3 at 3 P.M. and live stats will be provided. The game will also be heard on the radio on stations 94.1 (South Fort Myers/Estero), 103.3 (Cape Coral/Fort Myers) and 105.9 (Naples/Bonita Springs).
The game is also dubbed as a Whiteout as marketing is encouraging students and fans to wear white to the game.
FGCU WBB vs Lipscomb Recap: A-SUN Semifinals
The FGCU women's basketball team (29-4) are going to the A-SUN Conference finals once again as they defeated Lipscomb (12-19) by a score of 105-55. With the win, the Eagles are now 23-0 and will face Jacksonville in the in the finals. Jacksonville defeated UNF 83-76 in overtime in the other semifinals game.
Leading the way for the Eagles offensively was redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow. Dow, who played off the bench, had 30 points (11-for-15 FG, 8-for-10 3FG), six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 17 points (5-for-9 FG, 5-for-8 3FG, 2-for-2 FT), two rebounds and two assists.
Senior Erica Nelson had nine points, four rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Rose Julien was held scoreless, but did contribute with six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. This was Julien's second game this season where she was held scoreless.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had five points, seven rebounds (4 offensive, 3 defensive) and four assists. With her seven rebounds, Adderly now has 539 career total rebounds, and remains sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's four offensive rebounds put her at 227. She is 10 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. Adderly also has 312 defensive rebounds, including the seven in the game. She is 11 away from passing Kaneisha Atwater (322) for eighth all-time.
Redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan had 16 points (5-for-11 FG, 4-for-8 3FG, 2-for-3 FT), six rebounds and four assists. With 8:28 left in the second quarter, Grandijan hit a three-pointer that passed Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time. Grandijan now has 298 career three-pointers made and is 33 away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (330) for most all-time. In addition, Grandijan's seven rebounds that were all on the defensive end put her at 373 and is she is now 32 away from passing Swain (404) for fifth all-time.
Off the Eagles bench, aside from Dow, redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had eight points, one rebound and three assists.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had 13 points (6-for-8 FG, 1-for-3 3FG) and three rebounds.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had five points.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had two points, two rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling contributed with one assist.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with two rebounds.
"I was really pleased with our performance," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We shot the ball exceptionally well. I thought China was instant offense. She had it going, had several threes in the first half. She came up huge for us. Gradinjan, Nas, they provided some offense for us. I thought it was a really good team defensive effort, not giving up too many open looks at three and making them work for shots."
“It’s not the way we wanted to end it, but for the seniors it doesn’t take away from what they did and the position they put us in as a program,” Lipscomb women’s basketball head coach Greg Brown said. “One of the things we talked about was being in the position to play for a championship, and we certainly were.
“Florida Gulf Coast is an excellent team, and that’s obviously the standard that we are trying to reach. So, we know what we have to work on in the offseason.”
For the Lady Bisons, senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member, A-SUN All-Academic Team member and A-SUN Player of the Year Loren Cagle was held to four points. Cagle added eight rebounds, six assists and one steal.
“I can’t say enough about Lo’s game,” Brown said. “What she’s done off the floor is even better than the great player that she is. She’s been a statline filler her whole career. We’re certainly miss her, more for the young woman that she is more than the player she is on the floor.”
Freshman Taylor Clarke had five points and two rebounds.
Sophomore Lauren Rau contributed with two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman A-SUN All-Freshman Team member Emily Kmec had 12 points and six rebounds. Kmec was the only player that scored in double figures.
Senior Kennedy Potts contributed with one rebound and one assist.
“I thought we came out and started well,” Brown said. “We did some good things and followed a good game plan, but then they made adjustments and hit a couple of shots that really shifted the momentum. They make you pay when you’re late for a rotation.”
Off the Lady Bison bench, sophomore Kaylee Cotton had five points, two rebounds and one steal.
Sophomore Lexi Manos had three points and two rebounds.
Senior Loshaveon Jones had nine points, one rebound and one block.
Sophomore Carleigh Short had four points, one rebound and one assist.
Senior Auriana Broughton had four points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.
Senior Meredith Lovelady had five points and one rebound.
Senior Riley Northway had four points and one assist.
“For these seniors, what they came in and were able to do for us, we’re proud of them,” Brown said. “Their accomplishments off the floor are unbelievable. They represent the university well.
“Hutch talks about the four C’s: the Christian walk, the competitiveness, the classroom, and the community, and we couldn’t ask for a better group to represent those things. And that’s what we’ll remember. It’s an emotional night, and you don’t like this feeling, but for the big picture they’ve done a lot.”
The Eagle will face JU in the A-SUN Conference Championship game. If the Eagles win, then they will go to the national tournament. If JU wins, FGCU will automatically be in the WNIT, but they will also have an at-large bid for the national tournament.
Leading the way for the Eagles offensively was redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow. Dow, who played off the bench, had 30 points (11-for-15 FG, 8-for-10 3FG), six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 17 points (5-for-9 FG, 5-for-8 3FG, 2-for-2 FT), two rebounds and two assists.
Senior Erica Nelson had nine points, four rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Rose Julien was held scoreless, but did contribute with six rebounds, two assists and two blocks. This was Julien's second game this season where she was held scoreless.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had five points, seven rebounds (4 offensive, 3 defensive) and four assists. With her seven rebounds, Adderly now has 539 career total rebounds, and remains sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's four offensive rebounds put her at 227. She is 10 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. Adderly also has 312 defensive rebounds, including the seven in the game. She is 11 away from passing Kaneisha Atwater (322) for eighth all-time.
Redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan had 16 points (5-for-11 FG, 4-for-8 3FG, 2-for-3 FT), six rebounds and four assists. With 8:28 left in the second quarter, Grandijan hit a three-pointer that passed Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time. Grandijan now has 298 career three-pointers made and is 33 away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (330) for most all-time. In addition, Grandijan's seven rebounds that were all on the defensive end put her at 373 and is she is now 32 away from passing Swain (404) for fifth all-time.
Off the Eagles bench, aside from Dow, redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had eight points, one rebound and three assists.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had 13 points (6-for-8 FG, 1-for-3 3FG) and three rebounds.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had five points.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had two points, two rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling contributed with one assist.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with two rebounds.
"I was really pleased with our performance," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We shot the ball exceptionally well. I thought China was instant offense. She had it going, had several threes in the first half. She came up huge for us. Gradinjan, Nas, they provided some offense for us. I thought it was a really good team defensive effort, not giving up too many open looks at three and making them work for shots."
“It’s not the way we wanted to end it, but for the seniors it doesn’t take away from what they did and the position they put us in as a program,” Lipscomb women’s basketball head coach Greg Brown said. “One of the things we talked about was being in the position to play for a championship, and we certainly were.
“Florida Gulf Coast is an excellent team, and that’s obviously the standard that we are trying to reach. So, we know what we have to work on in the offseason.”
For the Lady Bisons, senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member, A-SUN All-Academic Team member and A-SUN Player of the Year Loren Cagle was held to four points. Cagle added eight rebounds, six assists and one steal.
“I can’t say enough about Lo’s game,” Brown said. “What she’s done off the floor is even better than the great player that she is. She’s been a statline filler her whole career. We’re certainly miss her, more for the young woman that she is more than the player she is on the floor.”
Freshman Taylor Clarke had five points and two rebounds.
Sophomore Lauren Rau contributed with two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman A-SUN All-Freshman Team member Emily Kmec had 12 points and six rebounds. Kmec was the only player that scored in double figures.
Senior Kennedy Potts contributed with one rebound and one assist.
“I thought we came out and started well,” Brown said. “We did some good things and followed a good game plan, but then they made adjustments and hit a couple of shots that really shifted the momentum. They make you pay when you’re late for a rotation.”
Off the Lady Bison bench, sophomore Kaylee Cotton had five points, two rebounds and one steal.
Sophomore Lexi Manos had three points and two rebounds.
Senior Loshaveon Jones had nine points, one rebound and one block.
Sophomore Carleigh Short had four points, one rebound and one assist.
Senior Auriana Broughton had four points, one rebound, one assist and one steal.
Senior Meredith Lovelady had five points and one rebound.
Senior Riley Northway had four points and one assist.
“For these seniors, what they came in and were able to do for us, we’re proud of them,” Brown said. “Their accomplishments off the floor are unbelievable. They represent the university well.
“Hutch talks about the four C’s: the Christian walk, the competitiveness, the classroom, and the community, and we couldn’t ask for a better group to represent those things. And that’s what we’ll remember. It’s an emotional night, and you don’t like this feeling, but for the big picture they’ve done a lot.”
The Eagle will face JU in the A-SUN Conference Championship game. If the Eagles win, then they will go to the national tournament. If JU wins, FGCU will automatically be in the WNIT, but they will also have an at-large bid for the national tournament.
FGCU WBB vs NJIT Recap: A-SUN Quarterfinals
The No. 1 seed FGCU women's basketball team (28-4) punched their way to the semifinals in the A-SUN Conference Tournament as they defeated No. 8 seed NJIT (4-26) by a score of 83-62 in the quarterfinals of the tournament. With the win, the Eagles are now 9-0 against the Highlanders and the Highlanders are now eliminated from the conference tournament.
"I thought we got off to a fast start offensively in the first quarter," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We hit a bunch of (3-pointers) early. Tay (Gradinjan) was hot early, which really helped us get a little of a cushion. I give NJIT credit. They played well today, and there was stretches where they outplayed us. It showed us some things we got to get cleaned up before we play the next game."
Before the game started, I was blessed to get the opportunity to sing the national anthem for the first time at a basketball game at FGCU. Now I'm proud to say I did the national anthem at every athletic event on campus: volleyball, men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, and now I can add women's basketball.
After returning to the student section during the game and after our win, I got so many compliments on my singing and even some of the basketball players from NJIT gave me compliments after the game. Even the basketball players, coaches and most of the cheerleaders (mainly the new ones) were in surprise and awe, and they didn't even know I could sing too.
In my mind, I felt extremely confident, but my body was shaking like a leaf, my hands were trembling and my heart felt like it skipped every other beat when I spoke.
Of course, I was also trying to recover quickly after the men's semifinals game last night from cheering so much. I literally had to gargle four or five swigs of warm salt, consume about four or five cough drops and drink plenty of hot tea to keep my voice in order.
In the end, we won and I got to do the national anthem for the basketball and it was a moment I will cherish for a long time.
Getting back on track, leading the way for the Eagles offensively was redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan. Grandijan finished with 20 points (7-for13 FG, 6-for-11 3FG), seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her 20 points, Grandijan reached 1,210 career points and is 54 points away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (1,263) for fifth all-time.
In addition, Grandijan's six 3-pointers tied Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers made. The Cudahy, Wisconsin native's seven rebounds put her at 483 career rebounds and she needs 26 to pass Kaniesha Atwater for seventh all-time. Since all of her rebounds were from the defensive end, Grandijan now has 367 career defensive boards.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Rose Julien had 16 points (4-for-12 FG, 2-for-7 3FG, 6-for-7 FT), three rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 13 points (5-for-11 FG, 3-for-9 3FG) and two steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had 11 points (3-for-5 FG, 1-for-1 3FG, 4-for-6 FT), two rebounds, seven assists, one block and two steals.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had nine points, 13 rebounds (7 offensive, 6 defensive), four assists, one block and two steals. With 13 total boards, Adderly has 532 career rebounds and remains fifth all-time.
In addition, Adderly's seven offensive boards put her at 223 career offensive rebounds and is 14 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Off the bench, redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow had four points, three rebounds and one assist. Dow made her mark as she reached 1,000 points in her NCAA career.
"Obviously it was a great career milestone for China," Smesko said. "I'm sure she's excited about it, and it shows what a great player she's been throughout her career."
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had three points, two rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had five points and one rebound.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points while redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan added one assist.
For the Highlanders, redshirt junior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Kelly Gaurino had 17 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Redshirt sophomore Jillian Libby had eight points, two rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Redshirt junior Tatianna Torres had 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Amber Morgan contributed with two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Danielle Tunstall had three points, four rebounds and one block.
Off the bench, freshman Ellyn Stoll had seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Freshman Dez Allen had eight points, eight rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.
Senior Taj Lewis had three points.
Redshirt sophomore Amarri Trueheart had two points and one assist.
In addition, the Eagles broke their own program and A-SUN record for most 3-point field goals made in a season. Following Saturday's performance, the team sits at 380 this year, just 44 shy of Sacramento State's all-time NCAA record of 424 set in 2014-15.
Additionally, the team's 11.9 3-point field goals per game is currently tied for the best in the nation with DePaul and would rank fourth best all-time in NCAA Division I women's basketball history if the season ended today.
From the other conference tournament games, No. 2 seed Jacksonville defeated No. 7 seed Kennesaw 79-52, No. 6 seed UNF upset No. 3 seed Stetson 63-55 in overtime, and No. 4 seed Lipscomb defeated No. 5 seed Upstate 95-53. This was Upstate's last women's basketball game as part of the A-SUN Conference as they will be moving to the Big South Conference.
As it sits in the semifinals, No. 1 FGCU will play No. 4 seed Lipscomb while No. 2 seed Jacksonville plays No. 6 seed.
FGCU will return to action on Wednesday, March 7 at 7 P.M. in the semifinals against No. 4 seed Lipscomb. Along with live stats, the game will air on ESPN3 and will be dubbed as a Green Out.
"I thought we got off to a fast start offensively in the first quarter," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We hit a bunch of (3-pointers) early. Tay (Gradinjan) was hot early, which really helped us get a little of a cushion. I give NJIT credit. They played well today, and there was stretches where they outplayed us. It showed us some things we got to get cleaned up before we play the next game."
Before the game started, I was blessed to get the opportunity to sing the national anthem for the first time at a basketball game at FGCU. Now I'm proud to say I did the national anthem at every athletic event on campus: volleyball, men's and women's soccer, baseball, softball, swimming and diving, men's and women's tennis, and now I can add women's basketball.
After returning to the student section during the game and after our win, I got so many compliments on my singing and even some of the basketball players from NJIT gave me compliments after the game. Even the basketball players, coaches and most of the cheerleaders (mainly the new ones) were in surprise and awe, and they didn't even know I could sing too.
In my mind, I felt extremely confident, but my body was shaking like a leaf, my hands were trembling and my heart felt like it skipped every other beat when I spoke.
Of course, I was also trying to recover quickly after the men's semifinals game last night from cheering so much. I literally had to gargle four or five swigs of warm salt, consume about four or five cough drops and drink plenty of hot tea to keep my voice in order.
In the end, we won and I got to do the national anthem for the basketball and it was a moment I will cherish for a long time.
Getting back on track, leading the way for the Eagles offensively was redshirt senior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Taylor Grandijan. Grandijan finished with 20 points (7-for13 FG, 6-for-11 3FG), seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her 20 points, Grandijan reached 1,210 career points and is 54 points away from passing Kelsey Jacobsen (1,263) for fifth all-time.
In addition, Grandijan's six 3-pointers tied Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers made. The Cudahy, Wisconsin native's seven rebounds put her at 483 career rebounds and she needs 26 to pass Kaniesha Atwater for seventh all-time. Since all of her rebounds were from the defensive end, Grandijan now has 367 career defensive boards.
Senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member Rose Julien had 16 points (4-for-12 FG, 2-for-7 3FG, 6-for-7 FT), three rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 13 points (5-for-11 FG, 3-for-9 3FG) and two steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had 11 points (3-for-5 FG, 1-for-1 3FG, 4-for-6 FT), two rebounds, seven assists, one block and two steals.
Sophomore A-SUN All-Conference Second Team member Tytionia Adderly had nine points, 13 rebounds (7 offensive, 6 defensive), four assists, one block and two steals. With 13 total boards, Adderly has 532 career rebounds and remains fifth all-time.
In addition, Adderly's seven offensive boards put her at 223 career offensive rebounds and is 14 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Off the bench, redshirt senior A-SUN All-Conference First Team member China Dow had four points, three rebounds and one assist. Dow made her mark as she reached 1,000 points in her NCAA career.
"Obviously it was a great career milestone for China," Smesko said. "I'm sure she's excited about it, and it shows what a great player she's been throughout her career."
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had three points, two rebounds, four assists and four steals.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had five points and one rebound.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points while redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan added one assist.
For the Highlanders, redshirt junior A-SUN All-Academic Team member Kelly Gaurino had 17 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Redshirt sophomore Jillian Libby had eight points, two rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Redshirt junior Tatianna Torres had 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Amber Morgan contributed with two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Danielle Tunstall had three points, four rebounds and one block.
Off the bench, freshman Ellyn Stoll had seven points, three rebounds and three assists.
Freshman Dez Allen had eight points, eight rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.
Senior Taj Lewis had three points.
Redshirt sophomore Amarri Trueheart had two points and one assist.
In addition, the Eagles broke their own program and A-SUN record for most 3-point field goals made in a season. Following Saturday's performance, the team sits at 380 this year, just 44 shy of Sacramento State's all-time NCAA record of 424 set in 2014-15.
Additionally, the team's 11.9 3-point field goals per game is currently tied for the best in the nation with DePaul and would rank fourth best all-time in NCAA Division I women's basketball history if the season ended today.
From the other conference tournament games, No. 2 seed Jacksonville defeated No. 7 seed Kennesaw 79-52, No. 6 seed UNF upset No. 3 seed Stetson 63-55 in overtime, and No. 4 seed Lipscomb defeated No. 5 seed Upstate 95-53. This was Upstate's last women's basketball game as part of the A-SUN Conference as they will be moving to the Big South Conference.
As it sits in the semifinals, No. 1 FGCU will play No. 4 seed Lipscomb while No. 2 seed Jacksonville plays No. 6 seed.
FGCU will return to action on Wednesday, March 7 at 7 P.M. in the semifinals against No. 4 seed Lipscomb. Along with live stats, the game will air on ESPN3 and will be dubbed as a Green Out.
FGCU WBB vs Stetson Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (27-4, 13-1 A-SUN) wrapped up their final game of the season with a 74-60 win over Stetson (17-13, 8-6 A-SUN). With the win, FGCU is not only 23-4 over Stetson, but are now A-SUN regular season champions for the seventh time this season as they go into the postseason.
Leading the charge offensively was senior Rose Julien. Julien finished with a game-high 25 points (9-14 FG, 5-8 3FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds and two assists.
After returning from an ankle injury, senior Erica Nelson finished with two points, one rebound, five assists and one block.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 10 points (3-3 FG, 2-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two steals.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-9 FT), eight rebounds (two offensive, six defensive), one assist, two blocks and three steals. With her eight boards, Adderly now has 519 career rebounds and remains sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's two offensive boards put her at 216 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. Adderly is 21 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan finished with three points and one assist. With her three points, Grandijan now has 1,190 career points. In addition, Grandijan now has 288 career 3-pointers made and remains seven away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time.
Off the Eagles bench, redshirt senior China Dow finished with 14 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3FG, 2-6 FT), seven rebounds and two assists.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had five points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani contributed with one rebound.
For the Hatters, junior McKenna Beach led the team with 18 points, three assists and two steals.
Freshman Michelle Pruitt finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Brittany Chambers had nine points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Freshman Shania Meertens had eight points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Freshman Sydney Wagner contributed with one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Off the Hatters bench, sophomore Jordan Tully had 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Freshman Megan Vincent had two points, three rebounds and one block.
Up next, the Eagles, who are the No. 1 seed, begin the A-SUN Conference Tournament as they face No. 8 seed NJIT in the quarterfinals. The winner will face the winner between No. 4 seed Lipscomb and No. 5 USC Upstate.
Leading the charge offensively was senior Rose Julien. Julien finished with a game-high 25 points (9-14 FG, 5-8 3FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds and two assists.
After returning from an ankle injury, senior Erica Nelson finished with two points, one rebound, five assists and one block.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 10 points (3-3 FG, 2-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two steals.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had 15 points (6-11 FG, 3-9 FT), eight rebounds (two offensive, six defensive), one assist, two blocks and three steals. With her eight boards, Adderly now has 519 career rebounds and remains sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's two offensive boards put her at 216 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. Adderly is 21 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan finished with three points and one assist. With her three points, Grandijan now has 1,190 career points. In addition, Grandijan now has 288 career 3-pointers made and remains seven away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time.
Off the Eagles bench, redshirt senior China Dow finished with 14 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3FG, 2-6 FT), seven rebounds and two assists.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had five points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani contributed with one rebound.
For the Hatters, junior McKenna Beach led the team with 18 points, three assists and two steals.
Freshman Michelle Pruitt finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Brittany Chambers had nine points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Freshman Shania Meertens had eight points, five rebounds, two assists and one block.
Freshman Sydney Wagner contributed with one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Off the Hatters bench, sophomore Jordan Tully had 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Freshman Megan Vincent had two points, three rebounds and one block.
Up next, the Eagles, who are the No. 1 seed, begin the A-SUN Conference Tournament as they face No. 8 seed NJIT in the quarterfinals. The winner will face the winner between No. 4 seed Lipscomb and No. 5 USC Upstate.
FGCU WBB vs. Kennesaw Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (26-4, 12-1 A-SUN) was able to protect their nest as they clipped Kennesaw's wings (7-17, 3-10 A-SUN) with a score of 78-51. With the win, not only are the Eagles 22-2 against the Owls, but have clinched the No. 1 seed in the A-SUN Conference Tournament.
"For us, we wanted to make sure we were in position to get the No. 1 seed in the tournament," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "That was accomplished today. We definitely think it's a big advantage to be playing here, and we now know on Saturday we have a chance to clinch the Atlantic Sun title outright. That's another goal of ours, so hopefully we can take the next few days to get ourselves prepared for what will need to be a great effort against Stetson."
With senior Erica Nelson inactive, the Eagles changed their starting five lineup as redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka filled in for Nelson. This was Zderadicka's second start of the season.
Nonetheless, senior Rose Julien led the Eagles offensively from the starting lineup. Julien finished with 15 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1-2 FT), one rebound and two assists.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Zderadicka finished with 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 3FG), one rebound, two assist and two steals.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had three points, 10 rebounds (four offensive, six defensive), one assist, one block and one steal. With her four offensive boards, Adderly now has 214 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. Adderly is 23 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. The Jupiter native, however, did pass Kaniesha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time in overall rebounds with 511. She is now 93 away from passing Courtney Chihil (603) for fifth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her 12 points, Grandijan has 1,187 career points and passed Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time. In addition, Grandijan's three 3-pointers put her at 287 and is eight away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers. Also, the Cudahy, Wisconsin native's now has 476 career rebounds.
Off the bench, redshirt senior China Dow had 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-5 3FG), seven rebounds and four assists.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had seven points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had two points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points and two rebounds.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling contributed with one rebound.
For the Owls, freshman Kamiyah Street led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Street also added three assists and one block.
Sophomore Carlotta Gianolla had 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Freshman Alexis Poole had nine points, five rebounds and one steal.
Redshirt senior Clara Young had five points, three rebounds and three assists.
Redshirt sophomore Alexandra Landby contributed with two rebounds.
Off the Owls bench, freshman Breanna Hoover had three points, one rebound and one assist. Hoover was the only reserve player to score in the game.
Junior Janae Omusi contributed with three rebounds, junior Iceis Walker contributed with two rebounds and one assist, freshman Lexi Mann contributed with one rebound and one assist and freshman Caroline Dan contributed with one rebound.
The Eagles wrap up their season with one final road game against Stetson on Saturday, February 24 at 1 P.M.
"For us, we wanted to make sure we were in position to get the No. 1 seed in the tournament," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "That was accomplished today. We definitely think it's a big advantage to be playing here, and we now know on Saturday we have a chance to clinch the Atlantic Sun title outright. That's another goal of ours, so hopefully we can take the next few days to get ourselves prepared for what will need to be a great effort against Stetson."
With senior Erica Nelson inactive, the Eagles changed their starting five lineup as redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka filled in for Nelson. This was Zderadicka's second start of the season.
Nonetheless, senior Rose Julien led the Eagles offensively from the starting lineup. Julien finished with 15 points (6-7 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1-2 FT), one rebound and two assists.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
Zderadicka finished with 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-2 3FG), one rebound, two assist and two steals.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had three points, 10 rebounds (four offensive, six defensive), one assist, one block and one steal. With her four offensive boards, Adderly now has 214 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. Adderly is 23 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. The Jupiter native, however, did pass Kaniesha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time in overall rebounds with 511. She is now 93 away from passing Courtney Chihil (603) for fifth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had 12 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her 12 points, Grandijan has 1,187 career points and passed Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time. In addition, Grandijan's three 3-pointers put her at 287 and is eight away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers. Also, the Cudahy, Wisconsin native's now has 476 career rebounds.
Off the bench, redshirt senior China Dow had 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-5 3FG), seven rebounds and four assists.
Redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had seven points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had two points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points and two rebounds.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling contributed with one rebound.
For the Owls, freshman Kamiyah Street led the way with a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Street also added three assists and one block.
Sophomore Carlotta Gianolla had 16 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Freshman Alexis Poole had nine points, five rebounds and one steal.
Redshirt senior Clara Young had five points, three rebounds and three assists.
Redshirt sophomore Alexandra Landby contributed with two rebounds.
Off the Owls bench, freshman Breanna Hoover had three points, one rebound and one assist. Hoover was the only reserve player to score in the game.
Junior Janae Omusi contributed with three rebounds, junior Iceis Walker contributed with two rebounds and one assist, freshman Lexi Mann contributed with one rebound and one assist and freshman Caroline Dan contributed with one rebound.
The Eagles wrap up their season with one final road game against Stetson on Saturday, February 24 at 1 P.M.
FGCU WBB vs Lipscomb Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (25-4, 11-1 A-SUN) managed to have no problem as they tamed the Lipscomb Lady Bison (10-17, 6-6 A-SUN) by a score of 88-52. With the win, the Eagles are 22-0 against the Lady Bison.
Prior to the game starting, the five senior players were recognized as part of their senior night: Jessica Cattani, Erica Nelson, China Dow, Taylor Grandijan and Rose Julien along with their student manager Dan Hansen.
In addition, the lineup featured all five seniors in the starting rotation.
In the first quarter, the Eagles got off to a hot start after three straight three-pointers out of four total from Cattani. Julien would follow with back-to-back threes of her own and finished with three in the first, including a buzzer beater as the quarter ended.
“It was a fast paced game, a lot of scoring in the first quarter,” FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. “I think we gave up five 3-pointers in the first quarter. Fortunately, we were shooting the ball well, too. Then, I thought our defense after the first quarter got a lot better. We had fewer miscommunications, so we didn’t give up quite as many 3-pointers. We played with good discipline.”
From there until the end of the game, the Lady Bison would have no chance to catch up.
In the end, Cattani led the way in points. Cattani finished with 20 points (6-11 FG, 6-10 3FG, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Nelson was held to seven minutes after leaving the game with an injury and did not return. Nelson had one rebound and two assists in the game.
Dow had nine points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Julien had 17 points (5-12 FG, 5-12 3FG, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists.
Grandijan,who is now the all-time leader in games played (142), finished with 12 points all from the 3-point line. Grandijan’s 12 points put her at 1,175 career points where she is now 11 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time. Grandijan (284) is also 11 away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Off the bench, sophomore Tytionia Adderly had five points, 14 rebounds (5 offensive, nine defensive) and two assists. Adderly's 14 rebounds put her at 501 career total rebounds and is eight away from passing Atwater for sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's five offensive rebounds put her at 210 career offensive rebounds. The Jupiter native is 27 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had four points, one rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had nine points, one rebound and one assist.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with one rebound.
For the Lady Bison, senior Loren Cagle had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cagle was the only Lady Bison in the starting lineup to score in double-digits.
Freshman Taylor Clarke had eight points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Lauren Rau had seven points, one rebound, three assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Emily Kmec had six points, four rebounds and one steal.
Senior Kennedy Potts had two points and one rebound.
Off the Lady Bison bench, sophomore Kaylee Cotton had nine points, three rebounds and one assist.
Sophomore Lexi Manos had six points, one rebound and two assists.
Senior Loshaveon Jones and sophomore Carleigh Short had two points, one rebounds and one steal each.
Senior Auriana Broughton contributed with two rebounds and one assist, senior Meredith Lovelady contributed with one assist and senior Riley Northway contributed with two rebounds and one steal.
Up next, the Eagles conclude with their last home game of the season as they play Kennesaw State on Monday, February 19 at 7 P.M.
Prior to the game starting, the five senior players were recognized as part of their senior night: Jessica Cattani, Erica Nelson, China Dow, Taylor Grandijan and Rose Julien along with their student manager Dan Hansen.
In addition, the lineup featured all five seniors in the starting rotation.
In the first quarter, the Eagles got off to a hot start after three straight three-pointers out of four total from Cattani. Julien would follow with back-to-back threes of her own and finished with three in the first, including a buzzer beater as the quarter ended.
“It was a fast paced game, a lot of scoring in the first quarter,” FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. “I think we gave up five 3-pointers in the first quarter. Fortunately, we were shooting the ball well, too. Then, I thought our defense after the first quarter got a lot better. We had fewer miscommunications, so we didn’t give up quite as many 3-pointers. We played with good discipline.”
From there until the end of the game, the Lady Bison would have no chance to catch up.
In the end, Cattani led the way in points. Cattani finished with 20 points (6-11 FG, 6-10 3FG, 1-1 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Nelson was held to seven minutes after leaving the game with an injury and did not return. Nelson had one rebound and two assists in the game.
Dow had nine points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Julien had 17 points (5-12 FG, 5-12 3FG, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists.
Grandijan,who is now the all-time leader in games played (142), finished with 12 points all from the 3-point line. Grandijan’s 12 points put her at 1,175 career points where she is now 11 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time. Grandijan (284) is also 11 away from passing Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Off the bench, sophomore Tytionia Adderly had five points, 14 rebounds (5 offensive, nine defensive) and two assists. Adderly's 14 rebounds put her at 501 career total rebounds and is eight away from passing Atwater for sixth all-time. In addition, Adderly's five offensive rebounds put her at 210 career offensive rebounds. The Jupiter native is 27 away from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had 10 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had four points, one rebounds, six assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had nine points, one rebound and one assist.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with one rebound.
For the Lady Bison, senior Loren Cagle had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cagle was the only Lady Bison in the starting lineup to score in double-digits.
Freshman Taylor Clarke had eight points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Lauren Rau had seven points, one rebound, three assists and one steal.
Redshirt freshman Emily Kmec had six points, four rebounds and one steal.
Senior Kennedy Potts had two points and one rebound.
Off the Lady Bison bench, sophomore Kaylee Cotton had nine points, three rebounds and one assist.
Sophomore Lexi Manos had six points, one rebound and two assists.
Senior Loshaveon Jones and sophomore Carleigh Short had two points, one rebounds and one steal each.
Senior Auriana Broughton contributed with two rebounds and one assist, senior Meredith Lovelady contributed with one assist and senior Riley Northway contributed with two rebounds and one steal.
Up next, the Eagles conclude with their last home game of the season as they play Kennesaw State on Monday, February 19 at 7 P.M.
FGCU WBB vs Lipscomb Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team (18-3, 4-0 A-SUN) wrap up their two-game conference road trip by heading to Nashville to face their next conference opponent: Lipscomb (10-16, 6-5 A-SUN).
Last Time Out:
The Eagles wrapped up a two-game road trip as they blew out Upstate by a score of 88-44 and NJIT by a score of 89-43.
Senior Rose Julien is one of the main factors from an offensive standpoint. Julien is averaging 13 points per game overall and 14.2 points per game in conference. Julien had nine points against Upstate. Against NJIT, the Port St. Lucie native had 17 points and was 3-3 at the free throw line. Julien passed Kelsey Jacobson (.819) for the program's best career free throw percentage at .821.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10 points per game and remains in tact in several career records. Grandijan has 280 career 3-pointers and is 15 away from surpassing former WNBA player Whitney Knight for second all-time (294). In addition, Grandijan is tied with surpassing Jaime Gluesing (140, 2012-16) most games played in program history, 14 starts of eclipsing Sarah Hansen (118, 2009-14) for most in that category and 29 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,163) for sixth all-time in career points (1,163). In the game against Upstate, Grandijan had a season-high 22 points. Against NJIT, she had five points.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly remains on the strong end for rebounds. Adderly is averaging 7.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Adderly has 205 career offensive rebounds in which she passed Katie Meador (193) and Kate Schrader for fourth all-time. Adderly is 32 away from passing Robin Swain (236) for third all-time while also being in a neck and neck battle with Grandijan (472) for career rebounds (482). Adderly had two double-doubles against Upstate and NJIT. In the game at Upstate, Adderly had 16 points and 13 rebounds while at NJIT, she had 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Bench Role:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka remain the key sparks that play off the bench.
Dow is averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. In the game against Upstate, Dow had five points and five rebound while at NJIT, she had 15 points and three rebounds.
Cattani is averaging 6.9 points per game. In the game against Upstate, Cattani had eight points while against NJIT, she had 18 points all from the 3-point line.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.3 points and one steal per game. Zderdicka scored two points against Upstate and was unable to score.
Scouting Lipscomb:
The Lady Bison recently competed at home for the last two games. They beat UNF (78-57) but fell to JU (63-70). Currently Lipscomb is in fourth place in the A-SUN Conference Standings.
Senior guard Loren Cagle leads the team in scoring (17.7 PPG), assists (4.4 APG), steals (2.2 SPG), 3-point field goal percentage (44%) and rebounding (5.8 RPG). Cagle had 14 points against UNF and 28 against Stetson.
In addition to Cagle, redshirt freshman Emily Kmec is averaging 8.8 points per game on 34.8 percent shooting from 3-point range. Kmec had 15 points against UNF and four against Steston.
Senior Riley Northway is the team's third leading scorer at 6.5 per game. Northway had two points against UNF and played only two minutes against Stetson.
Series History:
Overall, FGCU is 21-0 against Lipscomb. The Eagles played Lipscomb earlier in the season, winning 68-54.
The game will air on ESPN 3 on Monday, February 17 at 4:00 PM. It is a blue out as marketing is encouraging fans to wear blue to the game.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles wrapped up a two-game road trip as they blew out Upstate by a score of 88-44 and NJIT by a score of 89-43.
Senior Rose Julien is one of the main factors from an offensive standpoint. Julien is averaging 13 points per game overall and 14.2 points per game in conference. Julien had nine points against Upstate. Against NJIT, the Port St. Lucie native had 17 points and was 3-3 at the free throw line. Julien passed Kelsey Jacobson (.819) for the program's best career free throw percentage at .821.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10 points per game and remains in tact in several career records. Grandijan has 280 career 3-pointers and is 15 away from surpassing former WNBA player Whitney Knight for second all-time (294). In addition, Grandijan is tied with surpassing Jaime Gluesing (140, 2012-16) most games played in program history, 14 starts of eclipsing Sarah Hansen (118, 2009-14) for most in that category and 29 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,163) for sixth all-time in career points (1,163). In the game against Upstate, Grandijan had a season-high 22 points. Against NJIT, she had five points.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly remains on the strong end for rebounds. Adderly is averaging 7.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Adderly has 205 career offensive rebounds in which she passed Katie Meador (193) and Kate Schrader for fourth all-time. Adderly is 32 away from passing Robin Swain (236) for third all-time while also being in a neck and neck battle with Grandijan (472) for career rebounds (482). Adderly had two double-doubles against Upstate and NJIT. In the game at Upstate, Adderly had 16 points and 13 rebounds while at NJIT, she had 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Bench Role:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka remain the key sparks that play off the bench.
Dow is averaging 11.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. In the game against Upstate, Dow had five points and five rebound while at NJIT, she had 15 points and three rebounds.
Cattani is averaging 6.9 points per game. In the game against Upstate, Cattani had eight points while against NJIT, she had 18 points all from the 3-point line.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.3 points and one steal per game. Zderdicka scored two points against Upstate and was unable to score.
Scouting Lipscomb:
The Lady Bison recently competed at home for the last two games. They beat UNF (78-57) but fell to JU (63-70). Currently Lipscomb is in fourth place in the A-SUN Conference Standings.
Senior guard Loren Cagle leads the team in scoring (17.7 PPG), assists (4.4 APG), steals (2.2 SPG), 3-point field goal percentage (44%) and rebounding (5.8 RPG). Cagle had 14 points against UNF and 28 against Stetson.
In addition to Cagle, redshirt freshman Emily Kmec is averaging 8.8 points per game on 34.8 percent shooting from 3-point range. Kmec had 15 points against UNF and four against Steston.
Senior Riley Northway is the team's third leading scorer at 6.5 per game. Northway had two points against UNF and played only two minutes against Stetson.
Series History:
Overall, FGCU is 21-0 against Lipscomb. The Eagles played Lipscomb earlier in the season, winning 68-54.
The game will air on ESPN 3 on Monday, February 17 at 4:00 PM. It is a blue out as marketing is encouraging fans to wear blue to the game.
FGCU WBB vs NJIT Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (24-4, 10-1 A-SUN) wrapped up their two-game road trip as they crushed NJIT (3-23, 1-10 A-SUN) by a score of 89-43. With the win, the Eagles are now 8-0 against the Highlanders.
Five players for FGCU scored in double figures. It was redshirt senior Jessica Cattani that lead the team in scoring. Cattani had 18 points (6-8 FG, 6-8 3FG), four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Senior Rose Julien had 17 points (6-10 FG, 2-6 3FG, 3-3 FT), three rebounds and one block.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had five points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had four points, two rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had a double-double of 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 FT) and 16 rebounds (10 offensive, six defensive), one assist and three steals. With her 10 offensive boards, Adderly now has 205 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. She also has 486 total career rebounds and is now 23 rebounds away from passing Kaneisha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had five points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. With her five points, Grandijan now has 1,163 career points. Grandijan also has 472 career rebounds.
Off the bench, aside from Cattani, redshirt senior China Dow had 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3FG), three rebounds and two steals.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka did not score any points, but contributed with two rebounds and five assists.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had 10 points (3-6 FG, 3-6 3FG, 1-2 FT) and one rebound.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, one assist and one steal.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling had two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with one rebound and one steal.
For the Highlanders, redshirt junior Kelly Gaurino had 11 points and one assist.
Redshirt sophomore Jillian Libby had two points, six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Redshirt junior Tatianna Torres was held to two points and one rebound.
Sophomore Amber Morgan had two points, one rebound and three assists.
Sophomore Danielle Tunstall had one point, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Off the bench, freshman Ellyn Stoll had a team-leading 13 points, one rebound and one assist.
Junior Jordan Ireland had six points, four rebounds and one steal.
Sophomore Tracey Brereton had two points and one rebound.
Freshman Dez Allen had two points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
Senior Taj Lewis had two points and one rebound.
Freshman Lucia Martinez-Ortiz contributed with two rebounds and one block.
Redshirt sophomore Amarri Trueheart contributed with one assist.
Up next, the Eagles return home for homecoming weekend as they face Lipscomb on Saturday, February 17 at 4 P.M.
Five players for FGCU scored in double figures. It was redshirt senior Jessica Cattani that lead the team in scoring. Cattani had 18 points (6-8 FG, 6-8 3FG), four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Senior Rose Julien had 17 points (6-10 FG, 2-6 3FG, 3-3 FT), three rebounds and one block.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had five points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had four points, two rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly had a double-double of 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 FT) and 16 rebounds (10 offensive, six defensive), one assist and three steals. With her 10 offensive boards, Adderly now has 205 career offensive rebounds and remains fourth all-time. She also has 486 total career rebounds and is now 23 rebounds away from passing Kaneisha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had five points, two rebounds, three assists and one steal. With her five points, Grandijan now has 1,163 career points. Grandijan also has 472 career rebounds.
Off the bench, aside from Cattani, redshirt senior China Dow had 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-4 3FG), three rebounds and two steals.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka did not score any points, but contributed with two rebounds and five assists.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had 10 points (3-6 FG, 3-6 3FG, 1-2 FT) and one rebound.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, one assist and one steal.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling had two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel contributed with one rebound and one steal.
For the Highlanders, redshirt junior Kelly Gaurino had 11 points and one assist.
Redshirt sophomore Jillian Libby had two points, six rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Redshirt junior Tatianna Torres was held to two points and one rebound.
Sophomore Amber Morgan had two points, one rebound and three assists.
Sophomore Danielle Tunstall had one point, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Off the bench, freshman Ellyn Stoll had a team-leading 13 points, one rebound and one assist.
Junior Jordan Ireland had six points, four rebounds and one steal.
Sophomore Tracey Brereton had two points and one rebound.
Freshman Dez Allen had two points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
Senior Taj Lewis had two points and one rebound.
Freshman Lucia Martinez-Ortiz contributed with two rebounds and one block.
Redshirt sophomore Amarri Trueheart contributed with one assist.
Up next, the Eagles return home for homecoming weekend as they face Lipscomb on Saturday, February 17 at 4 P.M.
FGCU WBB vs NJIT Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team wrap up their two-game road trip in conference play against NJIT.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles recently (23-4, 9-1 A-SUN) played USC Upstate at Upstate. The Eagles blew out the Spartans by a score of 88-44.
Senior Rose Julien still leads the team with 12.9 points per game. Julien had nine points against Upstate all from the 3-point line.
Senior Erica Nelson is averaging 8.9 points per game and is leading the team in assists per game (3.2). Nelson had five points and a career-high eight assists against Upstate.
Adderly vs. Grandijan: Rebound Battle Continues:
Majorly, the talk of the team is from two individuals: sophomore Tytionia Adderly and redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan.
Adderly, who recently came from concussion protocol, is averaging 7.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Adderly had a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds against Upstate
Grandijan is averaging 10.2 points per game. The Cudahy, Wisconsin native scored a season-high 22 points with 18 of them being behind the 3-point line. She also added two rebounds. Grandijan (1,138), who recently passed video coordinator Stephanie (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points, is 106 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,263) for sixth all-time.
The battle between Adderly and Grandijan has been from crashing the boards. Adderly currently has 471 career rebounds (7th overall) while Grandijan has 470 (8th overall). Both are more than likely to pass Kaniesha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time. in the game against Upstate, Adderly (195) had five offensive boards. those five offensive boards put her at fourth all-time as she passed Katie Meador (193; previous 5th all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; previously 4th all-time). She is 42 offensive rebounds from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. Grandijan is currently sixth all-time in defensive rebounds (354) while Adderly is ninth (276).
Bench Role Sparks:
Still leading the bench role is redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicaka.
Dow is averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Dow was held to five points, but had five rebounds against Upstate.
Cattani is averaging 6.5 points per game. Cattani had eight points against Upstate.
Zderadicka despite scoring only two points against Upstate, is averaging 7.5 points and one steal per game.
Scouting NJIT:
The Highlanders (3-22, 1-9 A-SUN) have lost five straight games. They recently lost to Stetson on their senior day. The Highlanders last win was on January 22, where they defeated UNF (75-65). It's their only win in conference.
Junior Tatianna Torres leads the team in scoring at 11.8 and 5.6 rebounds per game. Torres 13 points and six rebounds against Stetson.
Junior Kelly Guarino is second on the team in scoring at 10.8 per game. Guarino scored 14 points against Stetson.
Senior Taj Lewis is averaging 9.3 points per game. Lewis was held to four points against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 7-0 against the Highlanders, including a 90-66 win earlier this season in the Alico Arena.
Game time is on Monday, February 12 at 7 P.M and will air on ESPN 3.
Link: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3273558/florida-gulf-coast-vs-njit
Last Time Out:
The Eagles recently (23-4, 9-1 A-SUN) played USC Upstate at Upstate. The Eagles blew out the Spartans by a score of 88-44.
Senior Rose Julien still leads the team with 12.9 points per game. Julien had nine points against Upstate all from the 3-point line.
Senior Erica Nelson is averaging 8.9 points per game and is leading the team in assists per game (3.2). Nelson had five points and a career-high eight assists against Upstate.
Adderly vs. Grandijan: Rebound Battle Continues:
Majorly, the talk of the team is from two individuals: sophomore Tytionia Adderly and redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan.
Adderly, who recently came from concussion protocol, is averaging 7.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Adderly had a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds against Upstate
Grandijan is averaging 10.2 points per game. The Cudahy, Wisconsin native scored a season-high 22 points with 18 of them being behind the 3-point line. She also added two rebounds. Grandijan (1,138), who recently passed video coordinator Stephanie (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points, is 106 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,263) for sixth all-time.
The battle between Adderly and Grandijan has been from crashing the boards. Adderly currently has 471 career rebounds (7th overall) while Grandijan has 470 (8th overall). Both are more than likely to pass Kaniesha Atwater (508) for sixth all-time. in the game against Upstate, Adderly (195) had five offensive boards. those five offensive boards put her at fourth all-time as she passed Katie Meador (193; previous 5th all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; previously 4th all-time). She is 42 offensive rebounds from passing Robyn Swain (236) for third all-time. Grandijan is currently sixth all-time in defensive rebounds (354) while Adderly is ninth (276).
Bench Role Sparks:
Still leading the bench role is redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicaka.
Dow is averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Dow was held to five points, but had five rebounds against Upstate.
Cattani is averaging 6.5 points per game. Cattani had eight points against Upstate.
Zderadicka despite scoring only two points against Upstate, is averaging 7.5 points and one steal per game.
Scouting NJIT:
The Highlanders (3-22, 1-9 A-SUN) have lost five straight games. They recently lost to Stetson on their senior day. The Highlanders last win was on January 22, where they defeated UNF (75-65). It's their only win in conference.
Junior Tatianna Torres leads the team in scoring at 11.8 and 5.6 rebounds per game. Torres 13 points and six rebounds against Stetson.
Junior Kelly Guarino is second on the team in scoring at 10.8 per game. Guarino scored 14 points against Stetson.
Senior Taj Lewis is averaging 9.3 points per game. Lewis was held to four points against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 7-0 against the Highlanders, including a 90-66 win earlier this season in the Alico Arena.
Game time is on Monday, February 12 at 7 P.M and will air on ESPN 3.
Link: http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3273558/florida-gulf-coast-vs-njit
FGCU WBB vs Upstate Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (23-4, 9-1 A-SUN) continued their dominance in conference play as they slayed Upstate (9-16, 4-6 A-SUN) by a score of 88-44. With the win, FGCU is now 19-2 overall against Upstate. Pretty much every one of FGCU's players scored at least one point.
The duo of sophomore Tytionia Adderly and redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan stole a majority of the show. Adderly secured her eighth double-double of her career and the fourth this season.
Adderly finished with 16 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds (five offensive, eight defensive), five assists, two blocks and three steals. With her five offensive boards, Adderly passed Katie Meador (193) and Kate Schrader (194) in career offensive rebounds and is now fourth all-time (195).
Grandijan finished with a season-high 22 points (7-11 FG, 6-10 3FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one steal. With her 22 points, Grandijan, who recently passed video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135), now has 1,158 career points and is 28 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Rose Julien had nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Senior Erica Nelson had five points, two rebounds, eight assists and one steal.
Off the Eagles' bench, redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had eight points, two rebounds and one steal.
Redshirt senior China Dow had five points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had two points, one rebound and four assists.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had six points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, one rebound and two assists.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling had one point, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel had two points and two rebounds.
For the Spartans, no players from the starting lineup or bench scored in double digits.
Senior Brittany Delva and freshman Michaela Gibbons had nine points each. Delva added one rebound and three assists while Gibbons added two rebounds.
Sophomore Riley Popplewell had eight points, three rebounds and one steal.
In addition to both Adderly and Grandijan, the battle of rebounds remains active. Adderly's 13 rebounds put her at 471 career rebounds while Grandijan is set at 470 after her two rebounds.
Up next, FGCU wraps up their two game road as they face NJIT on Monday February 12 at 7 P.M.
The duo of sophomore Tytionia Adderly and redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan stole a majority of the show. Adderly secured her eighth double-double of her career and the fourth this season.
Adderly finished with 16 points (7-10 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds (five offensive, eight defensive), five assists, two blocks and three steals. With her five offensive boards, Adderly passed Katie Meador (193) and Kate Schrader (194) in career offensive rebounds and is now fourth all-time (195).
Grandijan finished with a season-high 22 points (7-11 FG, 6-10 3FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one steal. With her 22 points, Grandijan, who recently passed video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135), now has 1,158 career points and is 28 points away from passing Shannon Murphy (1,185) for sixth all-time.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Rose Julien had nine points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Senior Erica Nelson had five points, two rebounds, eight assists and one steal.
Off the Eagles' bench, redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had eight points, two rebounds and one steal.
Redshirt senior China Dow had five points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had two points, one rebound and four assists.
Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan had six points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Alyssa Blair had two points, one rebound and two assists.
Freshman Sheahen Dowling had one point, two rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Sophomore Samantha Kisiel had two points and two rebounds.
For the Spartans, no players from the starting lineup or bench scored in double digits.
Senior Brittany Delva and freshman Michaela Gibbons had nine points each. Delva added one rebound and three assists while Gibbons added two rebounds.
Sophomore Riley Popplewell had eight points, three rebounds and one steal.
In addition to both Adderly and Grandijan, the battle of rebounds remains active. Adderly's 13 rebounds put her at 471 career rebounds while Grandijan is set at 470 after her two rebounds.
Up next, FGCU wraps up their two game road as they face NJIT on Monday February 12 at 7 P.M.
FGCU WBB vs UNF Recap
The FGCU women's basketball team (22-4, 8-1 A-SUN) asked for a rematch against UNF (10-14, 3-6 A-SUN) and they got it. The Eagles avenged their defeat to the Osprey and won 67-52. With the win, The Eagles remain in first place in the A-SUN and the current magic number for FGCU is "2".
Leading the way offensively was redshirt senior China Dow. Dow, who played off the bench, had 19 points (8-14 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
From the starters, senior Rose Julien finished with 18 points (7-11 FG, 3-7 3FG, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one block and four steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had seven points, seven assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
After missing two straight games, sophomore Tytionia Adderly finished with four points, 10 rebounds (five offensive, five defensive), three assists and one steal. This was her 11th game with at least 10 rebounds. With her five offensive boards, Adderly (190) passed Kaneisha Atwater (186) for sixth all-time in career offensive rebounds. Adderly will be four rebounds away from passing Katie Meador (193) for fourth all-time and five from passing Kate Schrader (194) for third all-time. In addition, Adderly now has 458 career total rebounds.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had three points, four rebounds and two assists before fouling out. Grandijan (1,136) passed video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time and with her four rebounds, she now has 468 career total rebounds.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka and redshirt senior Jessica Cattani also contributed in the game. Zderadicka had 14 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and two steals while Cattani contributed with two rebounds and one assist. Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan also entered the game.
"It was tough game throughout," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Our offensive execution wasn't very good in the first half, but I thought our defensive intensity was better, and it gave us a chance to still have the lead despite not shooting well and not moving the ball well."
For the Osprey, redshirt senior Keonna Farmer had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds. Farmer also added two assists, two blocks and one steal.
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson had 14 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Junior Ty Purifoy had eight points, three assists and two steals.
Freshman Tiffany Tolbert had seven points, one rebound, three assists and one steal.
Senior Maiya Rumph had two points and four rebounds.
Off the Osprey bench, sophomore Adrienne Jackson was the only player that scored. Jackson had three points, two rebounds and one steal.
Freshman Ta'Kyla Austin contributed with two rebounds.
With the win, the Eagles won their rematch and are now 22-3 overall against UNF.
It was also head coach Karl Smesko's 600th game that he coached for FGCU. Smesko has now compiled a 487-113 record during that time and won 81.2 percent of his games. In doing so, he joins just three other active NCAA Division-I coaches with at least an .800 career winning percentage - UConn's Geno Auriemma, Baylor's Kim Mulkey and Stanford's Tara VanDerveer.
"I don't think about it very much," Smesko said. "(The pre-game recognition) was a very nice gesture. I'd rather not even bring it up. It's about the game that we were going to play that day. To me, 600 is no different than 601. So, we're going to get ready for 601 and try to be as prepared as we can to have a good game."
Up next, the Eagles return to action on the road as they prepare to face Upstate (February 10) and NJIT (February 12) before returning home.
Leading the way offensively was redshirt senior China Dow. Dow, who played off the bench, had 19 points (8-14 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and three steals.
From the starters, senior Rose Julien finished with 18 points (7-11 FG, 3-7 3FG, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one block and four steals.
Senior Erica Nelson had seven points, seven assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had two points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal.
After missing two straight games, sophomore Tytionia Adderly finished with four points, 10 rebounds (five offensive, five defensive), three assists and one steal. This was her 11th game with at least 10 rebounds. With her five offensive boards, Adderly (190) passed Kaneisha Atwater (186) for sixth all-time in career offensive rebounds. Adderly will be four rebounds away from passing Katie Meador (193) for fourth all-time and five from passing Kate Schrader (194) for third all-time. In addition, Adderly now has 458 career total rebounds.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had three points, four rebounds and two assists before fouling out. Grandijan (1,136) passed video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time and with her four rebounds, she now has 468 career total rebounds.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka and redshirt senior Jessica Cattani also contributed in the game. Zderadicka had 14 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3FG, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and two steals while Cattani contributed with two rebounds and one assist. Redshirt freshman Chandler Ryan also entered the game.
"It was tough game throughout," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "Our offensive execution wasn't very good in the first half, but I thought our defensive intensity was better, and it gave us a chance to still have the lead despite not shooting well and not moving the ball well."
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson had 14 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Junior Ty Purifoy had eight points, three assists and two steals.
Freshman Tiffany Tolbert had seven points, one rebound, three assists and one steal.
Senior Maiya Rumph had two points and four rebounds.
Off the Osprey bench, sophomore Adrienne Jackson was the only player that scored. Jackson had three points, two rebounds and one steal.
Freshman Ta'Kyla Austin contributed with two rebounds.
With the win, the Eagles won their rematch and are now 22-3 overall against UNF.
It was also head coach Karl Smesko's 600th game that he coached for FGCU. Smesko has now compiled a 487-113 record during that time and won 81.2 percent of his games. In doing so, he joins just three other active NCAA Division-I coaches with at least an .800 career winning percentage - UConn's Geno Auriemma, Baylor's Kim Mulkey and Stanford's Tara VanDerveer.
"I don't think about it very much," Smesko said. "(The pre-game recognition) was a very nice gesture. I'd rather not even bring it up. It's about the game that we were going to play that day. To me, 600 is no different than 601. So, we're going to get ready for 601 and try to be as prepared as we can to have a good game."
Up next, the Eagles return to action on the road as they prepare to face Upstate (February 10) and NJIT (February 12) before returning home.
FGCU WBB vs UNF Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team (21-4, 7-1 A-SUN) return home for a rematch with UNF (10-13, 3-5 A-SUN) for conference play.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles wrapped up a two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they played UNF and JU. The Eagles would fall to UNF by a score of 73-75 before sweeping the series with Jacksonville with a 65-63 win to maintain sole possession of first place.
Senior Rose Julien leads the team with 12.8 points per game. Julien had her sixth game of 20 or more points as she scored 22 in the loss to UNF and scored four in the win against JU.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly missed two straight games due to concussion protocol, but is set to return.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had nine points in the game against UNF and JU. Grandijan is currently averaging 10 points per game. The rare sixth-year senior, who eclipsed 1,100 career points against Lipscomb and now has 1,133, needs three more to pass current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1135, 2012-16) for seventh most all-time.
Last Thursday, she passed Katie Meador (135) for sole possession of third most games played all-time, and she is four starts shy of passing Adrianne McNally (118) for second most. Additionally, Gradinjan passed Kelsey Jacobson (385) for seventh place in field goals made (390).
Bench Role Sparks:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow is averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Louisville native scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds as she filled in for Adderly for the remainder of the game against JU.
Cattani only played three minutes against JU, but is averaging seven points per game.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points per game and is tied with Nelson in assists per game (2.8). The Houston Baptist transfer and Vienna, Austria native scored four points and dished four assists.
Return of Adderly vs Grandijan, The Rebound Bout:
In a battle of career rebounds, it has been between two players: Grandijan and Adderly. While Adderly currently leads the team in rebounds per game and total rebounds (193) and Grandijan is third in rebounds per game and fourth in total rebounds (77), it has been a battle of crashing the boards for both players. Grandijan currently sits sixth all-time in career rebounds (464) while Adderly is seventh (448). Both players are intact to pass Kaneisha Atwater (508) in career rebounds.
Offensive Board Outcomes:
After being unable to play in two straight games due to concussion protocol, Adderly is set to return for the game against UNF. Adderly currently has 91 offensive rebounds this season and is also seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185) while remaining two away from passing Atwater (186) for sixth all-time. More than likely, the Jupiter native will pass Katie Meador (193; fifth all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; fourth all-time). There is a possibility that Adderly could possibly pass Robyn Swain (236; third all-time) and Adrianne McNally (240; second all-time) by the end of the season, but it is a stretch for her to surpass Sarah Hansen (329) as the all-time leader in career offensive rebounds.
Scouting UNF:
The Ospreys recently competed against Stetson in a losing fashion (51-68) and are currently tied for fifth place in conference.
Redshirt senior Keonna Farmer leads the Osprey offensively. Farmer is averaging 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and leads the team in steals (55). The UAB transfer had 14 points and four rebounds against Stetson.
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson is averaging 11.3 points per game and leads the team in blocks (14). The Liberty University transfer had six points and seven rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 21-3 against the Osprey with their most recent loss coming from earlier this season
The Eagles play UNF on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. on ESPN 3 and it will dubbed as a green out as marketing is encouraging students and fans to wear green to the game.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles wrapped up a two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they played UNF and JU. The Eagles would fall to UNF by a score of 73-75 before sweeping the series with Jacksonville with a 65-63 win to maintain sole possession of first place.
Senior Rose Julien leads the team with 12.8 points per game. Julien had her sixth game of 20 or more points as she scored 22 in the loss to UNF and scored four in the win against JU.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly missed two straight games due to concussion protocol, but is set to return.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had nine points in the game against UNF and JU. Grandijan is currently averaging 10 points per game. The rare sixth-year senior, who eclipsed 1,100 career points against Lipscomb and now has 1,133, needs three more to pass current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1135, 2012-16) for seventh most all-time.
Last Thursday, she passed Katie Meador (135) for sole possession of third most games played all-time, and she is four starts shy of passing Adrianne McNally (118) for second most. Additionally, Gradinjan passed Kelsey Jacobson (385) for seventh place in field goals made (390).
Bench Role Sparks:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow is averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Louisville native scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds as she filled in for Adderly for the remainder of the game against JU.
Cattani only played three minutes against JU, but is averaging seven points per game.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points per game and is tied with Nelson in assists per game (2.8). The Houston Baptist transfer and Vienna, Austria native scored four points and dished four assists.
Return of Adderly vs Grandijan, The Rebound Bout:
In a battle of career rebounds, it has been between two players: Grandijan and Adderly. While Adderly currently leads the team in rebounds per game and total rebounds (193) and Grandijan is third in rebounds per game and fourth in total rebounds (77), it has been a battle of crashing the boards for both players. Grandijan currently sits sixth all-time in career rebounds (464) while Adderly is seventh (448). Both players are intact to pass Kaneisha Atwater (508) in career rebounds.
Offensive Board Outcomes:
After being unable to play in two straight games due to concussion protocol, Adderly is set to return for the game against UNF. Adderly currently has 91 offensive rebounds this season and is also seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185) while remaining two away from passing Atwater (186) for sixth all-time. More than likely, the Jupiter native will pass Katie Meador (193; fifth all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; fourth all-time). There is a possibility that Adderly could possibly pass Robyn Swain (236; third all-time) and Adrianne McNally (240; second all-time) by the end of the season, but it is a stretch for her to surpass Sarah Hansen (329) as the all-time leader in career offensive rebounds.
Scouting UNF:
The Ospreys recently competed against Stetson in a losing fashion (51-68) and are currently tied for fifth place in conference.
Redshirt senior Keonna Farmer leads the Osprey offensively. Farmer is averaging 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game and leads the team in steals (55). The UAB transfer had 14 points and four rebounds against Stetson.
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson is averaging 11.3 points per game and leads the team in blocks (14). The Liberty University transfer had six points and seven rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 21-3 against the Osprey with their most recent loss coming from earlier this season
The Eagles play UNF on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. on ESPN 3 and it will dubbed as a green out as marketing is encouraging students and fans to wear green to the game.
FGCU Basketball vs JU Recap
The men's and women's basketball teams made their presence known as both teams defeated Jacksonville in conference play.
The women played first as they were fighting for sole possession of first place in the A-SUN Conference. After going back and forth, the Eagles (21-4, 7-1 A-SUN) beat the Dolphins (16-7, 6-2 A-SUN) 65-63. With the win, the Eagles maintain sole possession of first and are 22-3 against JU. The Eagles were once again without sophomore Tytionia Adderly in the starting lineup. Adderly is still on concussion protocol.
Leading the way offensively was redshirt senior China Dow. Dow finished with 24 points (7-18 FG, 4-6 3FG, 6-7 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Erica Nelson had six points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had four points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Senior Rose Julien had four points, seven rebounds and one assist.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her nine points, Grandijan (1,133) is only three points away from passing video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points. In addition, Grandijan's three rebounds put her at 464 career rebounds
Off the bench, redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had three points, one rebound and one steal.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and three steals.
For the Dolphins, five players scored in double figures. Senior Naqaiyyah Teague led the team with 15 points, four rebounds and one steal.
Junior Jasmyn Brown had 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Kayla Gordon had a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Senior Brandi Buie had 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Junior Lindsay John contributed with one rebound.
Off the Dolphins bench, redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt had 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals.
Redshirt sophomore Shalonda Neely had two points and one rebound and sophomore Alexis burns had two points and one rebound.
Fast forwarding to the men's game, the Eagles (18-8, 9-0 A-SUN) had no problem sinking the Dolphins (12-14, 6-3 A-SUN) by a score of 80-55. With the win, the Eagles continue with an 11-game winning streak.
It was the duo of redshirt junior Zach Johnson and redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin that led the way. Johnson finished with 25 points (10-16 FG, 3-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one block and four steals while Goodwin finished with 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-5 3FG, 1-1 FT), two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Dinero Mercurius had 11 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-1 FT), three rebounds and one assist.
Sophomore RaySean Scott Jr returned to the starting lineup. Scott had eight points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Redshirt junior Michael Gilmore had four points and one rebound.
Off the Eagles bench, senior Christian Terrell, redshirt senior Antravious Simmons, sophomore Christian Carlyle and freshman Brian Thomas scored two points each. Terrell added five rebounds and one steal, Carlyle added one rebound, four assists and one block, Simmons added six rebounds and Thomas added two rebounds.
Redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst and redshirt senior Josh Ko also contributed to the game. Ernst added two rebounds and two blocks while Ko added two rebounds.
For the Dolphins, junior Jace Hogan had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Freshman JD Notae had five points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Jalyn Hinton had five points, eight rebounds and one block.
Senior Antwon Clayton had four points, six rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.
Redshirt senior Devin Harris had two points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Off the Dolphins bench, sophomore Tanner Rubio had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Freshman Corey Romich had three points and one assist.
Junior Radwan Bakkali contributed with four rebounds and one assist.
Both teams remain in sole possession of first place.
Up next for both teams, the women's team return to action at home as they in a rematch against UNF on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. while the men continue their three-game road trip with NJIT (February 8 at 7 pm) and USC Upstate (February 10 at 4 pm).
The women played first as they were fighting for sole possession of first place in the A-SUN Conference. After going back and forth, the Eagles (21-4, 7-1 A-SUN) beat the Dolphins (16-7, 6-2 A-SUN) 65-63. With the win, the Eagles maintain sole possession of first and are 22-3 against JU. The Eagles were once again without sophomore Tytionia Adderly in the starting lineup. Adderly is still on concussion protocol.
Leading the way offensively was redshirt senior China Dow. Dow finished with 24 points (7-18 FG, 4-6 3FG, 6-7 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Erica Nelson had six points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Sophomore Nasrin Ulel had four points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Senior Rose Julien had four points, seven rebounds and one assist.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. With her nine points, Grandijan (1,133) is only three points away from passing video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points. In addition, Grandijan's three rebounds put her at 464 career rebounds
Off the bench, redshirt senior Jessica Cattani had three points, one rebound and one steal.
Redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had 15 points (7-14 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and three steals.
For the Dolphins, five players scored in double figures. Senior Naqaiyyah Teague led the team with 15 points, four rebounds and one steal.
Junior Jasmyn Brown had 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Senior Kayla Gordon had a double-double of 11 points and 14 rebounds.
Senior Brandi Buie had 10 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Junior Lindsay John contributed with one rebound.
Off the Dolphins bench, redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt had 10 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals.
Redshirt sophomore Shalonda Neely had two points and one rebound and sophomore Alexis burns had two points and one rebound.
Fast forwarding to the men's game, the Eagles (18-8, 9-0 A-SUN) had no problem sinking the Dolphins (12-14, 6-3 A-SUN) by a score of 80-55. With the win, the Eagles continue with an 11-game winning streak.
It was the duo of redshirt junior Zach Johnson and redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin that led the way. Johnson finished with 25 points (10-16 FG, 3-4 3FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds, one assist, one block and four steals while Goodwin finished with 24 points (11-19 FG, 1-5 3FG, 1-1 FT), two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Redshirt junior Dinero Mercurius had 11 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3FG, 1-1 FT), three rebounds and one assist.
Sophomore RaySean Scott Jr returned to the starting lineup. Scott had eight points, six rebounds, one assist and one block.
Redshirt junior Michael Gilmore had four points and one rebound.
Off the Eagles bench, senior Christian Terrell, redshirt senior Antravious Simmons, sophomore Christian Carlyle and freshman Brian Thomas scored two points each. Terrell added five rebounds and one steal, Carlyle added one rebound, four assists and one block, Simmons added six rebounds and Thomas added two rebounds.
Redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst and redshirt senior Josh Ko also contributed to the game. Ernst added two rebounds and two blocks while Ko added two rebounds.
For the Dolphins, junior Jace Hogan had 17 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Freshman JD Notae had five points, one rebound, two assists and one steal.
Freshman Jalyn Hinton had five points, eight rebounds and one block.
Senior Antwon Clayton had four points, six rebounds, one assist, one block and two steals.
Redshirt senior Devin Harris had two points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Off the Dolphins bench, sophomore Tanner Rubio had 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
Freshman Corey Romich had three points and one assist.
Junior Radwan Bakkali contributed with four rebounds and one assist.
Both teams remain in sole possession of first place.
Up next for both teams, the women's team return to action at home as they in a rematch against UNF on Tuesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. while the men continue their three-game road trip with NJIT (February 8 at 7 pm) and USC Upstate (February 10 at 4 pm).
FGCU WBB vs JU Preview
The FGCU (20-4, 6-1 A-SUN) women's basketball team wraps up their two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they face JU 16-6, 6-1 A-SUN) in a rematch for first place.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles, who were ranked #25 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, recently played JU's crosstown rival, UNF, in a losing effort. The Eagles lost 73-75 in the game. With the loss, the Eagles snapped a 10-game winning streak and had their first loss since December 17, 2017 vs Chattanooga.
Still leading the team is senior Rose Julien. Julien scored 22 points against UNF and is averaging 13.2 points per game. Julien has scored at least 10 points in all seven straight conference games.
Sophomore Tyitionia Adderly was unable to play due to concussion protocol. This was the first game Adderly has missed in her career. The Jupiter native is averaging seven points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. It is still unknown when Adderly will return to the lineup.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. The rare sixth year senior had nine points and three rebounds against UNF. Grandijan (1,126) is 12 points away from passing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points and her three rebounds put the Cudahy, Wisconsin native at 461 career rebounds (seventh all-time). In addition, Grandijan passed Kelsey Jacobson (385) in most career field goals made (386) and passed Katie Meador (135) for for third most games played in program history.
Bench Role:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow replaced Adderly in the starting lineup against UNF. The Louisville native had nine points in the game and is averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Cattani had four points against UNF and is averaging 6.9 points per game.
Zderadicka had eight points against UNF and is averaging 7.2 points per game.
Scouting JU:
The Dolphins recently played Stetson winning 73-63 and are tied for first place with the Eagles.
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.3 points per game. Brown scored 11 against Stetson,
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 12.4 points per game. Buie scored 17 against Stetson.
Senior Kayla Gordon is averaging 11.1 points and nine rebounds per game. Gordon had 14 points and nine rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
FGCU is 21-3 against JU with the most recent win for FGCU was on January 27 where the Eagles won 63-58.
The game will air on Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm on ESPN 3. Live stats will be available.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles, who were ranked #25 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll, recently played JU's crosstown rival, UNF, in a losing effort. The Eagles lost 73-75 in the game. With the loss, the Eagles snapped a 10-game winning streak and had their first loss since December 17, 2017 vs Chattanooga.
Still leading the team is senior Rose Julien. Julien scored 22 points against UNF and is averaging 13.2 points per game. Julien has scored at least 10 points in all seven straight conference games.
Sophomore Tyitionia Adderly was unable to play due to concussion protocol. This was the first game Adderly has missed in her career. The Jupiter native is averaging seven points per game and 8.4 rebounds per game. It is still unknown when Adderly will return to the lineup.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. The rare sixth year senior had nine points and three rebounds against UNF. Grandijan (1,126) is 12 points away from passing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points and her three rebounds put the Cudahy, Wisconsin native at 461 career rebounds (seventh all-time). In addition, Grandijan passed Kelsey Jacobson (385) in most career field goals made (386) and passed Katie Meador (135) for for third most games played in program history.
Bench Role:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow replaced Adderly in the starting lineup against UNF. The Louisville native had nine points in the game and is averaging 10.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Cattani had four points against UNF and is averaging 6.9 points per game.
Zderadicka had eight points against UNF and is averaging 7.2 points per game.
Scouting JU:
The Dolphins recently played Stetson winning 73-63 and are tied for first place with the Eagles.
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.3 points per game. Brown scored 11 against Stetson,
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 12.4 points per game. Buie scored 17 against Stetson.
Senior Kayla Gordon is averaging 11.1 points and nine rebounds per game. Gordon had 14 points and nine rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
FGCU is 21-3 against JU with the most recent win for FGCU was on January 27 where the Eagles won 63-58.
The game will air on Saturday, February 3 at 1 pm on ESPN 3. Live stats will be available.
FGCU WBB vs UNF Preview
The FGCU women's basketball team (20-3, 6-0 A-SUN) prepare for a two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they play UNF (9-12, 2-4 A-SUN) and JU (15-6, 5-1 A-SUN) for conference play.
Last Time Out:
The Eagles faced JU in a previous game at home. The Eagles won the game 63-58 to continue their 10-game winning streak. The Eagles still maintain sole possession of first place in the A-SUN.
The Top 25:
On January 30, FGCU placed at #25 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. This was the first time since April 6, 2015 that FGCU was ranked in the top 25 in the nation. The Eagles also remain #1 in the CollegeInsider.com and ESPNW mid-major polls.
Key Player(s):
The players to look at for FGCU are Seniors Rose Julien and Erica Nelson, redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan and sophomore Tytionia Adderly.
Julien leads the way scoring 12.8 points per game and leads the team in free throw percentage (85%). Julien had 11 points against JU and was 6-for-7 at the free throw line.
Nelson is averaging 9.1 points per game and ties for first in assists per game (2.8). Nelson had 14 points and one assist against JU and was 9-for-10 at the free throw line.
Grandijan is averaging 10 points per game and third on the team in rebounds per game (3.5). Grandijan had seven points against JU. Grandijan currently has 1,115 career points and is 21 points away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time. Grandijan is also 26 three's away from surpassing WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Adderly was held to only two points and one defensive rebound against JU as she did not return in the game due to an injury. Adderly is averaging seven points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Bench Role Sparks:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow is averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Louisville native scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds as she filled in for Adderly for the remainder of the game against JU.
Cattani only played three minutes against JU, but is averaging seven points per game.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points per game and is tied with Nelson in assists per game (2.8). The Houston Baptist transfer and Vienna, Austria native scored four points and dished four assists.
Adderly vs Grandijan, The Rebound Bout:
In a battle of career rebounds, the "bout" has between two players: Grandijan and Adderly.
While Adderly currently leads the team in rebounds per game (8.4) and total rebounds (193), Grandijan is third in rebounds per game (3.5) and fourth in total rebounds (77). It has been a battle of crashing the boards for both players.
Grandijan currently sits sixth all-time in career rebounds (458) while Adderly is seventh (448).
Both players are in tact to surpass Kaneisha Atwater (508) in career rebounds.
Offensive Board Outcomes:
Adderly currently has 91 offensive rebounds this season and is also seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185) while remaining two away from surpassing Atwater (186) for sixth all-time. More than likely, the Jupiter native will surpass Katie Meador (193; fifth all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; fourth all-time).
There is a possibility that Adderly could surpass Robyn Swain (236; third all-time) and Adrianne McNally (240; second all-time) by the end of the season, but it is a stretch for her to surpass Sarah Hansen (329) for all-time leader in career offensive rebounds at the end of the season.
Scouting UNF:
The Osprey recently competed against Stetson in a losing fashion (55-68) and are currently in fifth place in conference.
Redshirt senior Keonna Farmer leads the Osprey offensively. Farmer is averaging 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and leads the team in steals (55). The UAB transfer had a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds and four steals against Stetson.
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson is averaging 11.4 points per game and leads the team in blocks (14). The Liberty University transfer had seven points and six rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 21-2 against the Osprey. Last series between the two teams, the Eagles swept the series winning 68-51 at UNF and 69-46 at FGCU during the season and eliminated the Osprey in the A-SUN Conference Tournament Quarterfinals winning 59-42. The Osprey's last win was on February 13, 2010 where UNF won 57-56.
The Eagles play UNF on Thursday, February 1 at 7 pm on ESPN 3
Links for game:
http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3273160/florida-gulf-coast-vs-north-florida-w-basketball
Last Time Out:
The Eagles faced JU in a previous game at home. The Eagles won the game 63-58 to continue their 10-game winning streak. The Eagles still maintain sole possession of first place in the A-SUN.
The Top 25:
On January 30, FGCU placed at #25 in the USA Today Coaches Poll. This was the first time since April 6, 2015 that FGCU was ranked in the top 25 in the nation. The Eagles also remain #1 in the CollegeInsider.com and ESPNW mid-major polls.
Key Player(s):
The players to look at for FGCU are Seniors Rose Julien and Erica Nelson, redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan and sophomore Tytionia Adderly.
Julien leads the way scoring 12.8 points per game and leads the team in free throw percentage (85%). Julien had 11 points against JU and was 6-for-7 at the free throw line.
Nelson is averaging 9.1 points per game and ties for first in assists per game (2.8). Nelson had 14 points and one assist against JU and was 9-for-10 at the free throw line.
Grandijan is averaging 10 points per game and third on the team in rebounds per game (3.5). Grandijan had seven points against JU. Grandijan currently has 1,115 career points and is 21 points away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time. Grandijan is also 26 three's away from surpassing WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Adderly was held to only two points and one defensive rebound against JU as she did not return in the game due to an injury. Adderly is averaging seven points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Bench Role Sparks:
Redshirt seniors China Dow and Jessica Cattani and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka continue providing sparks off the bench.
Dow is averaging 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. The Louisville native scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds as she filled in for Adderly for the remainder of the game against JU.
Cattani only played three minutes against JU, but is averaging seven points per game.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.1 points per game and is tied with Nelson in assists per game (2.8). The Houston Baptist transfer and Vienna, Austria native scored four points and dished four assists.
Adderly vs Grandijan, The Rebound Bout:
In a battle of career rebounds, the "bout" has between two players: Grandijan and Adderly.
While Adderly currently leads the team in rebounds per game (8.4) and total rebounds (193), Grandijan is third in rebounds per game (3.5) and fourth in total rebounds (77). It has been a battle of crashing the boards for both players.
Grandijan currently sits sixth all-time in career rebounds (458) while Adderly is seventh (448).
Both players are in tact to surpass Kaneisha Atwater (508) in career rebounds.
Offensive Board Outcomes:
Adderly currently has 91 offensive rebounds this season and is also seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185) while remaining two away from surpassing Atwater (186) for sixth all-time. More than likely, the Jupiter native will surpass Katie Meador (193; fifth all-time) and Kate Schrader (194; fourth all-time).
There is a possibility that Adderly could surpass Robyn Swain (236; third all-time) and Adrianne McNally (240; second all-time) by the end of the season, but it is a stretch for her to surpass Sarah Hansen (329) for all-time leader in career offensive rebounds at the end of the season.
Scouting UNF:
The Osprey recently competed against Stetson in a losing fashion (55-68) and are currently in fifth place in conference.
Redshirt senior Keonna Farmer leads the Osprey offensively. Farmer is averaging 16.4 points and 8.3 rebounds per game and leads the team in steals (55). The UAB transfer had a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds and four steals against Stetson.
Redshirt senior Tesh Hanson is averaging 11.4 points per game and leads the team in blocks (14). The Liberty University transfer had seven points and six rebounds against Stetson.
Series History:
The Eagles are 21-2 against the Osprey. Last series between the two teams, the Eagles swept the series winning 68-51 at UNF and 69-46 at FGCU during the season and eliminated the Osprey in the A-SUN Conference Tournament Quarterfinals winning 59-42. The Osprey's last win was on February 13, 2010 where UNF won 57-56.
The Eagles play UNF on Thursday, February 1 at 7 pm on ESPN 3
Links for game:
http://www.espn.com/watch/_/id/3273160/florida-gulf-coast-vs-north-florida-w-basketball
FGCU Basketball vs JU Recap
In a battle of the first in the A-SUN Conference, both the FGCU men's and women's basketball teams were taken to the limits against Jacksonville (JU) for conference play at FGCU.
In the women's game, both FGCU and JU were tied for first place in conference. Going back and forth between the two teams, the Eagles (20-3, 6-0 A-SUN) managed to come out on top and beat the Dolphins (15-6, 5-1 A-SUN) by a score of 63-58.
"It was a very tough game. It was probably the most physical game we've played all season," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "I thought Jacksonville played with a lot of energy. They played very physical. We got fortunate that some of their best players got in foul trouble, and we got fortunate that they missed some foul shots down the stretch. But, we feel really good about beating a good team. Despite getting beat on the boards, we found a way to compensate and get the win."
Before the women's basketball game began, five cheerleaders and two FGCU Dancing E'Gals were recognized for their senior day.
Leading the way offensively for the Eagles was senior Erica Nelson. Nelson finished with 14 points (2-6 FG, 1-2 3FG, 9-10 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals.
Senior Rose Julien had 11 points, five rebounds and one assist. Julien was 6-7 at the free throw line.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly was held to two points and one defensive as the Jupiter native only played five minutes in the first quarter and did not return due to an injury. Adderly has 448 career rebounds and remains eighth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had seven points, six rebounds and one steal. With her seven points, Grandijan has 1,115 and is 21 away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points. In addition, Grandijan's six rebounds puts her at 458 career rebounds and is 51 away from surpassing Kaneisha Atwater for sixth all-time and is tied with Katie Meador for third all-time in career games played (135).
Off the bench, redshirt senior China Dow had 12 points and four rebounds while redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had four points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals.
"I thought both teams played their hearts out, both teams wanted to win the game and unfortunately, someone had to lose and we were at that end this time," stated Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "There were some key moments in the game that I felt we didn't capitalize on and some key possessions that we'll be able to watch film on and be ready for when they come to our place."
"Florida Gulf Coast did their job, they protected their home floor. Now we need to do our job when they come to our place and go from there. That's going to be the focus; we'll learn from this. We have to move on to the next game, exude toughness, and protect home court."
For the Dolphins, senior Naqaiyyah Teague led the way with 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Teague did get a technical foul in the game.
Junior Lindsay John had 10 points, one rebound and one assist.
Senior Brandi Buie had nine points, five rebounds and one steal.
Senior Kayla Gordon had six points, 13 rebounds and two steals.
Junior Jasmyn Brown was held to four points and three rebounds.
Off the bench, four players contributed for the Dolphins: sophomore Alexis Burns (five points, one rebound, one assist), redshirt sophomore Shalonda Neely (four points, two rebounds, one steal), redshirt junior La'Karis Salter (three points) and redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt (two points, six rebounds, two blocks).
With the win, the Eagles are on a 10-game winning streak, 21-3 overall against JU and are in sole possession of first place.
Fast forward to the men's game. The Eagles (16-8, 7-0 A-SUN) managed to beat the Dolphins (11-13, 5-2 A-SUN) by a score of 68-62.
"It wasn't pretty, and we were very streaky, but our defense bailed us out tonight. We got some timely stops," stated FGCU head coach Joe Dooley. "But give JU credit; they switched and did some things defensively which put us in harm's way. The ball stuck for us tonight and that hurt us offensively, but our defense got stops late when it mattered most."
Leading the way for the Eagles was the duo of redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin and redshirt junior Zach Johnson. Goodwin had 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals while Johnson finished with 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Junior Dinero Mercurius had six points and three rebounds.
Redshirt junior Michael Gilmore finished with six points and 10 rebounds.
Redshirt senior Antravious Simmons contributed with two rebounds and one assist.
Off the bench, senior Christian Terrell had 11 points and two rebounds.
Redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst had seven points and four rebounds.
Sophomore Christian Carlyle had two points, six rebounds and one assist.
Freshman Brian Thomas had two points, seven rebounds and one block.
"I thought we were able to do some good things in the second half, but as the game wore on, our inability to keep [the ball] in front just killed us," said Head Coach Tony Jasick
For the Dolphins, junior Jace Hogan had 23 points (10-16 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist.
Freshman JD Notae had 15 points, three rebounds and one steal.
Senior Antwon Clayton had nine points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Redshirt senior Devin Harris had seven points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Freshman Jalyn Hinton had six points, three rebounds and two steals.
Off the bench, three players contributed for the Dolphins: sophomore Tanner Rubio (two points, one rebound, one assist), redshirt senior Cody Helgeland (two rebound, two steals) and junior Radwan Bakkali (two rebounds).
"We're awfully close, but we're light years away if we won't commit to guarding the basketball," said Jasick.
With the win, the Eagles are on a nine-game winning streak.
Up next for both teams, the men's team will play UNF at home on Monday, January 29 at 7 pm where it will be a white out.
For the women, they will be on another two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they play UNF on Thursday, February 1 at UNF and a rematch against Jacksonville at JU.
In the women's game, both FGCU and JU were tied for first place in conference. Going back and forth between the two teams, the Eagles (20-3, 6-0 A-SUN) managed to come out on top and beat the Dolphins (15-6, 5-1 A-SUN) by a score of 63-58.
"It was a very tough game. It was probably the most physical game we've played all season," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "I thought Jacksonville played with a lot of energy. They played very physical. We got fortunate that some of their best players got in foul trouble, and we got fortunate that they missed some foul shots down the stretch. But, we feel really good about beating a good team. Despite getting beat on the boards, we found a way to compensate and get the win."
Before the women's basketball game began, five cheerleaders and two FGCU Dancing E'Gals were recognized for their senior day.
Leading the way offensively for the Eagles was senior Erica Nelson. Nelson finished with 14 points (2-6 FG, 1-2 3FG, 9-10 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal.
Sophomore Nas Ulel had 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 3FG, 1-3 FT), two rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals.
Senior Rose Julien had 11 points, five rebounds and one assist. Julien was 6-7 at the free throw line.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly was held to two points and one defensive as the Jupiter native only played five minutes in the first quarter and did not return due to an injury. Adderly has 448 career rebounds and remains eighth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan had seven points, six rebounds and one steal. With her seven points, Grandijan has 1,115 and is 21 away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points. In addition, Grandijan's six rebounds puts her at 458 career rebounds and is 51 away from surpassing Kaneisha Atwater for sixth all-time and is tied with Katie Meador for third all-time in career games played (135).
Off the bench, redshirt senior China Dow had 12 points and four rebounds while redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka had four points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals.
"I thought both teams played their hearts out, both teams wanted to win the game and unfortunately, someone had to lose and we were at that end this time," stated Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "There were some key moments in the game that I felt we didn't capitalize on and some key possessions that we'll be able to watch film on and be ready for when they come to our place."
"Florida Gulf Coast did their job, they protected their home floor. Now we need to do our job when they come to our place and go from there. That's going to be the focus; we'll learn from this. We have to move on to the next game, exude toughness, and protect home court."
For the Dolphins, senior Naqaiyyah Teague led the way with 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Teague did get a technical foul in the game.
Junior Lindsay John had 10 points, one rebound and one assist.
Senior Brandi Buie had nine points, five rebounds and one steal.
Senior Kayla Gordon had six points, 13 rebounds and two steals.
Junior Jasmyn Brown was held to four points and three rebounds.
Off the bench, four players contributed for the Dolphins: sophomore Alexis Burns (five points, one rebound, one assist), redshirt sophomore Shalonda Neely (four points, two rebounds, one steal), redshirt junior La'Karis Salter (three points) and redshirt junior Shakayla Nevitt (two points, six rebounds, two blocks).
With the win, the Eagles are on a 10-game winning streak, 21-3 overall against JU and are in sole possession of first place.
Fast forward to the men's game. The Eagles (16-8, 7-0 A-SUN) managed to beat the Dolphins (11-13, 5-2 A-SUN) by a score of 68-62.
"It wasn't pretty, and we were very streaky, but our defense bailed us out tonight. We got some timely stops," stated FGCU head coach Joe Dooley. "But give JU credit; they switched and did some things defensively which put us in harm's way. The ball stuck for us tonight and that hurt us offensively, but our defense got stops late when it mattered most."
Leading the way for the Eagles was the duo of redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin and redshirt junior Zach Johnson. Goodwin had 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals while Johnson finished with 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and three steals.
Junior Dinero Mercurius had six points and three rebounds.
Redshirt junior Michael Gilmore finished with six points and 10 rebounds.
Redshirt senior Antravious Simmons contributed with two rebounds and one assist.
Off the bench, senior Christian Terrell had 11 points and two rebounds.
Redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst had seven points and four rebounds.
Sophomore Christian Carlyle had two points, six rebounds and one assist.
Freshman Brian Thomas had two points, seven rebounds and one block.
"I thought we were able to do some good things in the second half, but as the game wore on, our inability to keep [the ball] in front just killed us," said Head Coach Tony Jasick
For the Dolphins, junior Jace Hogan had 23 points (10-16 FG, 1-2 3FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and one assist.
Freshman JD Notae had 15 points, three rebounds and one steal.
Senior Antwon Clayton had nine points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Redshirt senior Devin Harris had seven points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
Freshman Jalyn Hinton had six points, three rebounds and two steals.
Off the bench, three players contributed for the Dolphins: sophomore Tanner Rubio (two points, one rebound, one assist), redshirt senior Cody Helgeland (two rebound, two steals) and junior Radwan Bakkali (two rebounds).
"We're awfully close, but we're light years away if we won't commit to guarding the basketball," said Jasick.
With the win, the Eagles are on a nine-game winning streak.
Up next for both teams, the men's team will play UNF at home on Monday, January 29 at 7 pm where it will be a white out.
For the women, they will be on another two-game road trip in Jacksonville as they play UNF on Thursday, February 1 at UNF and a rematch against Jacksonville at JU.
FGCU Basketball vs JU Preview
Continuing in A-SUN Conference play, the FGCU men's and women's basketball teams prepare for a doubleheader as they both will play Jacksonville.
Last Time Out for the Women:
The women's team (19-3, 5-0 A-SUN) completed a two-game road trip as they faced Kennesaw and Lipscomb before coming back home. The Eagles would beat Kennesaw 78-57 before concluding the road trip with a 68-54 win over Lipscomb. As a result, the Eagles are currently on a nine-game winning streak.
Senior Rose Julien continues to lead the way offensively. Julien is averaging 12.9 points per game and free throw percentage (.846). Julien had 19 points against Kennesaw and 12 against Lipscomb. In fact, Julien has scored at least 10 points in all five conference games.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly continues to be the main rebounder of the team. Adderly is averaging 7.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. In her game against Kennesaw, Adderly was held scoreless, but managed to grab 10 rebounds with nine of them offensively. Against Lipscomb, Adderly had her third double-double of the season and seventh in her career as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, four of them being offensive. Adderly surpassed Courtney Chihil (183) for seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185). Adderly is two offensive rebounds away from surpassing Kaneisha Atwater (186) for sixth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10.2 points per game. Grandijan had 12 points in both games against Kennesaw and Lipscomb. The rare sixth-year senior has 1,108 points and 269 3-pointers made. Grandijan is 28 away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points and 26 3-pointers away from surpassing WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Grandijan vs Adderly, Battle of Rebounds:
This season was a battle of career rebounds. Grandijan has 452 career rebounds and is sixth all-time while Adderly is seventh all-time with 447 total career rebounds. Both players are neck and neck with each other in the same category, and are on a pace to surpass Atwater (508) for fifth all-time in career rebounds. Grandijan is 57 away from surpassing while Adderly is 62 away.
Bench Role Sparks:
Remaining as the key sparks off the bench are redshirt seniors Jessica Cattani and China Dow and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka.
Cattani, who was supposed to originally be a starter for the season, has been strong off the bench. Cattani is averaging 7.4 points per game. She scored nine points against Kennesaw and five against Lipscomb.
Dow is second on the team in points per game (10.4) and has been a key role for the bench. Dow had 10 points each against Kennesaw and Lipscomb, and in the game against Lipscomb, the Louisville native added 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 assists per game. The Vienna, Austria native and Houston Baptist transfer had 11 points against Kennesaw before being held to four points against Lipscomb.
Scouting Lady Dolphins:
The Lady Dolphins (15-5, 5-0 A-SUN) recently completed a two-game road trip as they defeated NJIT (88-58) and Upstate (71-45).
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.9 points. During the road games, Brown scored 19 points against NJIT and Upstate.
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 12.3 points per game and against NJIT and Upstate, Buie scored 14 points against NJIT and 16 against Upstate.
Series History:
FGCU is 20-3 against JU. The last series, FGCU split the season series with JU winning 60-57 at home and losing 65-73 at JU. FGCU did defeat JU in the A-SUN Conference tournament semifinals by a score of 68-64.
Last Time Out for the Men:
The men's team (15-8, 6-0 A-SUN) recently completed a three-game road trip for conference play. The Eagles beat Lipscomb (88-83), Kennesaw (66-49) and UNF (96-87). Currently, the Eagles are in sole possession of first place in conference and are on a eight-game winning streak.
During the game against UNF, the Eagles played without redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin and redshirt junior Ricky Doyle as they sat out as a coach's decision.
Redshirt junior Zach Johnson led the way offensively against UNF scoring 19 points. Johnson is averaging 14.3 points per game. In the games against Lipscomb and Kennesaw, Johnson scored 14 against Lipscomb and 17 against Kennesaw.
Redshirt junior Dinero Mercurius has been a big factor since being in the starting lineup. Despite being held to three points against Kennesaw, the Orlando native and triple transfer scored 12 against Lipscomb and 16 against UNF. The majority of his point came from behind the 3-point line. Mercurius is averaging 8.9 points per game.
Senior Christian Terrell is averaging 11.2 points per game.
"Big" Improvements:
The big men have improved a lot better since finishing non-conference and getting stronger with rebounds.
Redshirt senior Antravious Simmons started against UNF replacing Doyle. Simmons scored 11 against Lipscomb and nine against Kennesaw and UNF. Simmons is averaging seven points per game.
Despite scoring 2.1 points per game, redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst had his best game against UNF scoring a season-high 10 points with seven rebounds.
Since returning from a broken hand, freshman Brian Thomas has made a strong comeback. Thomas is averaging 3.6 points per game, but in the game against Kennesaw, Thomas' hometown, he scored nine points against the Owls and against UNF, scored seven points.
Scouting JU Men's Team:
The Dolphins (11-12, 5-1 A-SUN) are currently in second place in conference. JU recently competed against Stetson as they beat the Hatters 76-69.
Leading the Dolphins offensively are junior Jace Hogan and freshman JD Notae.
Hogan is averaging 16.2 points per game and scored 17 against Stetson.
Notae is scoring 16.1 points per game and scored 21 against Stetson.
Series History:
FGCU is 10-11 against JU. Last season series, FGCU swept the series winning 78-56 at home and 67-57 at JU. JU's last win against FGCU was on February 1, 2016 as the Dolphins 83-80.
Both games will be played on Saturday, January 27 and aired on ESPN 3. The women will play at 4 pm and the men will play at 7 pm, and are dubbed as a red out as a way to benefiting the American Heart & Stroke Association, so marketing is encouraging fans to wear red to both games.
In addition, it will be recognition for five seniors on the cheerleading squad and two on the Dancing E'Gals: Patrick Natali, Zahra Fayad, Brittany Borman, Bailey Spenlau and Jessica Gorman from cheerleading and Jaime Garcia and Amanda Wakeman from the E'Gals.
Last Time Out for the Women:
The women's team (19-3, 5-0 A-SUN) completed a two-game road trip as they faced Kennesaw and Lipscomb before coming back home. The Eagles would beat Kennesaw 78-57 before concluding the road trip with a 68-54 win over Lipscomb. As a result, the Eagles are currently on a nine-game winning streak.
Senior Rose Julien continues to lead the way offensively. Julien is averaging 12.9 points per game and free throw percentage (.846). Julien had 19 points against Kennesaw and 12 against Lipscomb. In fact, Julien has scored at least 10 points in all five conference games.
Sophomore Tytionia Adderly continues to be the main rebounder of the team. Adderly is averaging 7.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. In her game against Kennesaw, Adderly was held scoreless, but managed to grab 10 rebounds with nine of them offensively. Against Lipscomb, Adderly had her third double-double of the season and seventh in her career as she finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds, four of them being offensive. Adderly surpassed Courtney Chihil (183) for seventh all-time in career offensive rebounds (185). Adderly is two offensive rebounds away from surpassing Kaneisha Atwater (186) for sixth all-time.
Redshirt senior Taylor Grandijan is averaging 10.2 points per game. Grandijan had 12 points in both games against Kennesaw and Lipscomb. The rare sixth-year senior has 1,108 points and 269 3-pointers made. Grandijan is 28 away from surpassing current video coordinator Stephanie Haas (1,135) for seventh all-time in career points and 26 3-pointers away from surpassing WNBA player Whitney Knight (294) for second all-time in career 3-pointers.
Grandijan vs Adderly, Battle of Rebounds:
This season was a battle of career rebounds. Grandijan has 452 career rebounds and is sixth all-time while Adderly is seventh all-time with 447 total career rebounds. Both players are neck and neck with each other in the same category, and are on a pace to surpass Atwater (508) for fifth all-time in career rebounds. Grandijan is 57 away from surpassing while Adderly is 62 away.
Bench Role Sparks:
Remaining as the key sparks off the bench are redshirt seniors Jessica Cattani and China Dow and redshirt junior Lisa Zderadicka.
Cattani, who was supposed to originally be a starter for the season, has been strong off the bench. Cattani is averaging 7.4 points per game. She scored nine points against Kennesaw and five against Lipscomb.
Dow is second on the team in points per game (10.4) and has been a key role for the bench. Dow had 10 points each against Kennesaw and Lipscomb, and in the game against Lipscomb, the Louisville native added 10 rebounds for a double-double.
Zderadicka is averaging 7.3 points and 2.8 assists per game. The Vienna, Austria native and Houston Baptist transfer had 11 points against Kennesaw before being held to four points against Lipscomb.
Scouting Lady Dolphins:
The Lady Dolphins (15-5, 5-0 A-SUN) recently completed a two-game road trip as they defeated NJIT (88-58) and Upstate (71-45).
Junior Jasmyn Brown leads the team offensively. Brown is averaging 13.9 points. During the road games, Brown scored 19 points against NJIT and Upstate.
Senior Brandi Buie is averaging 12.3 points per game and against NJIT and Upstate, Buie scored 14 points against NJIT and 16 against Upstate.
Series History:
FGCU is 20-3 against JU. The last series, FGCU split the season series with JU winning 60-57 at home and losing 65-73 at JU. FGCU did defeat JU in the A-SUN Conference tournament semifinals by a score of 68-64.
Last Time Out for the Men:
The men's team (15-8, 6-0 A-SUN) recently completed a three-game road trip for conference play. The Eagles beat Lipscomb (88-83), Kennesaw (66-49) and UNF (96-87). Currently, the Eagles are in sole possession of first place in conference and are on a eight-game winning streak.
During the game against UNF, the Eagles played without redshirt senior Brandon Goodwin and redshirt junior Ricky Doyle as they sat out as a coach's decision.
Redshirt junior Zach Johnson led the way offensively against UNF scoring 19 points. Johnson is averaging 14.3 points per game. In the games against Lipscomb and Kennesaw, Johnson scored 14 against Lipscomb and 17 against Kennesaw.
Redshirt junior Dinero Mercurius has been a big factor since being in the starting lineup. Despite being held to three points against Kennesaw, the Orlando native and triple transfer scored 12 against Lipscomb and 16 against UNF. The majority of his point came from behind the 3-point line. Mercurius is averaging 8.9 points per game.
Senior Christian Terrell is averaging 11.2 points per game.
"Big" Improvements:
The big men have improved a lot better since finishing non-conference and getting stronger with rebounds.
Redshirt senior Antravious Simmons started against UNF replacing Doyle. Simmons scored 11 against Lipscomb and nine against Kennesaw and UNF. Simmons is averaging seven points per game.
Despite scoring 2.1 points per game, redshirt sophomore Brady Ernst had his best game against UNF scoring a season-high 10 points with seven rebounds.
Since returning from a broken hand, freshman Brian Thomas has made a strong comeback. Thomas is averaging 3.6 points per game, but in the game against Kennesaw, Thomas' hometown, he scored nine points against the Owls and against UNF, scored seven points.
Scouting JU Men's Team:
The Dolphins (11-12, 5-1 A-SUN) are currently in second place in conference. JU recently competed against Stetson as they beat the Hatters 76-69.
Leading the Dolphins offensively are junior Jace Hogan and freshman JD Notae.
Hogan is averaging 16.2 points per game and scored 17 against Stetson.
Notae is scoring 16.1 points per game and scored 21 against Stetson.
Series History:
FGCU is 10-11 against JU. Last season series, FGCU swept the series winning 78-56 at home and 67-57 at JU. JU's last win against FGCU was on February 1, 2016 as the Dolphins 83-80.
Both games will be played on Saturday, January 27 and aired on ESPN 3. The women will play at 4 pm and the men will play at 7 pm, and are dubbed as a red out as a way to benefiting the American Heart & Stroke Association, so marketing is encouraging fans to wear red to both games.
In addition, it will be recognition for five seniors on the cheerleading squad and two on the Dancing E'Gals: Patrick Natali, Zahra Fayad, Brittany Borman, Bailey Spenlau and Jessica Gorman from cheerleading and Jaime Garcia and Amanda Wakeman from the E'Gals.
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