Defense Leads FGCU To Dominant Quarterfinal Win Over Stetson

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

Florida Gulf Coast (21-11) opened up the postseason with a bang on Tuesday night, as their high energy defense led them to an eventual 77-55 win over Stetson.

It all started on the defensive end for the Eagles, where their tenacious pressure lead to turnovers and stops - making their transition game a lot easier.

"It's a lot easier to push it when you're not inbounding the ball," said Joe Dooley. "Getting stops was a big factor in us getting out and running in transition."

To start the contest, FGCU opened up a quick 11 point lead but a mini Hatters run cut it to just eight. While the Eagles defense held Stetson to just 21 points in the first half, 34 points allowed after the break was something to improve upon.

"We shut them out kind of early and every team will make a little run. The 1st half we did well," said Brett Comer. "The 2nd half we lacked a little bit - we got to do better in the 2nd half."

Even when the pace lessened, FGCU was still able to run their half court sets with efficiency. Chase Fieler (17 points) and Eric McKnight (15 points) made a living down low.

Just a little ways North of Dunk City, ETSU barely edge out Lipsomb, 89-88 in 2-OT, and the Bucs will now head to the Fort to face off against FGCU on Thursday.

In the two prior meetings this season, Florida Gulf Coast looked like two completely different teams. At home the Blue and Green blew out ETSU 90-62, but on the road the hot shooting Bucs dominated, 89-81.

This tournament is win or walk back to your dorms, so FGCU is staying focused on one game at a time - trying to create another legacy this year.

"We're trying to make new memories, we don't want to think about last year's," said Chase Fieler.

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