Thompson's Clutch Three Leads Eagles To 71-68 Win Over Stetson

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

With time winding down in a bustling Alico Arena, Bernard Thompson raised up and connected on a well contested three, giving the Eagles the lead with 2.4 seconds left. A Brett Comer inbounds steal secured it - FGCU walked away with a 71-68 win over Stetson.

Thompson ended the day with 17 points and 4 rebounds, continuing a little hot streak as of late. Leading the Eagles charge was lone senior Chase Fieler who tallied 15 points while adding a career high 14 rebounds.

An encouraging sign for Florida Gulf Coast was that four of the five starters scored in double figures, including Jamail Jones with 15 points.

The Marquette transfer is averaging 7.2 ppg this season. His last double digit performance (13 points again) was Jan. 9 against UNF but prior to that, you have to track back to Nov. 26 against NC State for his last time breaking 10 points. It is an encouraging sign for the combo redshirt junior, and hopefully something to build on.

In front of a recording tying 4,633 capacity crowd, the Eagles shot 40% (6/15) from beyond the arc, another positive from a win that was a little too close for comfort.

Prior to the game however, it was announced that junior Filip Cvjeticanin would be suspended for the next three games (including Stetson) due to a violation of team rules. His projected return would be Feb. 13 at ETSU.

“We’re disappointed in Filip and he’s disappointed in himself, but I’m confident that he will learn from this situation and be a valuable member of our team moving forward. Now it’s important for us to have the whole team step up in Filip’s absence to help fill his void over the next three games," -Dooley (via press release)

With the three point specialist out, the Eagles best beyond the arc shooter (percentage wise) is Brett Comer, 31.7%. Bernard Thompson is seen as the bigger threat though.