Florida Gulf Coast Primed For Hard-Nosed Championship Battle With Mercer

(Courtesy of Linwood Ferguson)

SB Nation tabbed Florida Gulf Coast vs. Mercer as a "Title Game You Want To Happen." Well now the stage is set for what has become one of the best, budding rivalries in mid-major basketball. One that hopefully won't end after this Sunday.

"I think it's fun anytime to play Mercer," said Brett Comer.

The Eagles are looking to prove they aren't a one hit wonder and Bob Hoffman's Bears want to leave the Atlantic Sun with a bang. Just to get into this position however, Mercer had to edge out USC Upstate in double overtime on Thursday.

"I don't think that will be a factor. Nobody is going to be hurt or tired for a championship game," Comer said.

Landing themselves in their third straight Atlantic Sun Championship hours earlier, the Eagles relied on their tenacious pressure to top ETSU on a night when their offensive sputtered. They shot just 37% from the field and 17% (4/23) from beyond the arc.

"The biggest thing is to just give yourself a chance. We didn't shoot the ball well but our defense helped us," said Joe Dooley.

Sunday afternoon will feature the two top scoring defense teams in the Atlantic Sun; Mercer is giving up 66.5 ppg while Florida Gulf Coast is allowing slightly more at 67.1.

"We pride ourselves on our defense," said Chase Fieler. "I think right now we're [FGCU and Mercer] one and two in conference in defensive field goal percentage."

Joe Dooley's team will have a specific point of emphasis on the defensive end - something that not only caused them trouble in Macon earlier this season, but also something that Mercer took advantage of in the semifinals on Thursday.

"We have to stop their pick and roll offense. That is something we really struggled with at their place but did a great job with that here," Comer said. "Rebounding obviously is another key; they're a bigger team but last game Eric [McKnight] and Chase [Fieler] really dominated the glass."

When it has come to facing the Bears this season, it has been a tale of two different teams, especially in terms of rebounding. In a 68-55 Macon, the Eagles were out-rebounded 40-38, but in Dunk City, Florida Gulf Coast dominated the glass 48-29 en route to a 75-61 win.

Whoever wins the rebounding battle, it will be in front of a sold out crowd. Following the semifinal win over ETSU, tickets for the championship sold out within four minutes.

"We're appreciate what all the fans have done for us. The atmosphere has been great," Dooley said. "It's spring break this week and we've still had a great student turn out. They make a difference."

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