FGCU MBB Preview For ETSU & USC Upstate

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Although the weather hindered the Eagles' flight to Johnson City, it might be beneficial. FGCU left a day earlier than planned and has three days of practice inside ETSU's dome before they take the floor against the Bucs. The Eagles Nest breaks that game down, along with the Eagles' matinee matchup against USC Upstate on Saturday.

Weather is an ongoing issue so follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest) to see the latest. As of right now, both game are still scheduled for their regular times.

Florida Gulf Coast at ETSU: Thursday 7:00 p.m
Eagles Nest Take

The key will be attacking the Bucs' zone. At home, FGCU, mainly Brett Comer, was able to find Chase Fieler in the high post or Eric McKnight / Nate Hicks on the baseline. If the Eagles can continue to work this, they will put on another dunk show and cruise in Johnson City. Also, if FGCU can get out in transition and run - all the better. ETSU won't have time to set up in their zone.

Also, this will be three point specialist Filip Cvjeticanin's first game back following a three game suspension due to a violation of team rules.

Quotables

"Every game and team is different. You can't look at scores - we did such and such at home and then go on the road. You can't take anything for granted. That's not cliche, it's reality. We have to prepare," said Joe Dooley.

"Since I've been here, we haven't won there. There a great defensive team. We just have to be ready to play and prepare ourselves," said Bernard Thompson .

"They're a tough team to play on their home court - we just have to go in there and play great defense. They have a great zone and it's like Syracuse - until you get to it, it's really hard to imitate in practice. The key will be defense and to push it back at them before they can get their zone set," said Chase Fieler.

Florida Gulf Coast at USC Upstate: Saturday 2:00 p.m

Eagles Nest Take

Even without Ty Greene, the Spartans are a scary prospect in the Atlantic Sun. Torrey Craig just went over his 2,000th career point and can attack in multiple different ways. But I believe the key will be on the glass; the Spartans are a large team with the ability to bully inside. A full team effort, not just from McKnight, Fieler, and Hicks, but the guards as well, will be necessary to dominate the glass.

The Spartans have already postponed Thursday's game against Stetson until Monday so they will be very well rested for Saturday.

Quotables

"When you look at their [Upstate] defensive stats, their among the conference leaders. They have a presence in the post and perimeter. You're on the road so if you start factoring in those things- they're undefeated in league play at home. Coach Payne is a good coach and they have an experienced team," said Joe Dooley.

"They're a very impressive team. Defensively they get a lot of stops. Jodd Maxey is a very active defender and Ricardo Glenn is big and physical inside. Torrey Craig is as offensively gifted in our league as anyone," said Chase Fieler.