MBB: Ospreys Outlast FGCU at Home, 82-76
With the victory, UNF (18-6, 7-0) completed the first half of the Atlantic Sun Conference schedule undefeated and extended their overall win streak to a program record tying eight games. Additionally, the Ospreys have also won 18 consecutive home games.
Beau Beech led the way for UNF finishing with 27 points and eight rebounds. Beech hit eight of the teams 13 three-pointers on the night as the Ospreys became the only team in the country with more than 300 treys made. Dallas Moore scored 18 points and handed out eight assists, while Demarcus Daniels chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds.
Marc-Eddy Norelia had 25 points and seven rebounds to pace FGCU (13-10, 4-3), who have now dropped three straight games overall and to the Ospreys.
"I'm really proud of these guys and how they've performed to get to 7-0 in conference play," said head coach Matthew Driscoll. "I thought the guys were focused for 40 minutes tonight and showed some resolve by raising their level to meet the challenge of FGCU. It is fun for me to coach a team like this. They are extremely talented and committed to each other. We just need to keep working to improve and compete every game."
The Eagles held the early momentum by turning several missed shots by the Ospreys into easy transition baskets. FGCU posted a 56-24 advantage in points in the paint for the game including a 28-10 margin during the first period.
FGCU held a five-point lead, 22-17, before the Ospreys slowly battled back and earned several ties and slight lead changes over the closing four minutes of the half. Moore beat the halftime buzzer with a three-pointer from the top of the key sending UNF into the break with a 38-35 lead.
The game stayed close through the first eight minutes of the second half and that's when the Ospreys used a 10-2 run to build a 71-58 lead following a trey by Trent Mackey at the eight minute mark.
Florida Gulf Coast would make a final charge using a 14-3 surge over the next five minutes to trim the UNF margin to a single possession. With the Ospreys leading 76-74, Daniels made free throw and then tipped in a missed shot by Moore with 38 seconds left to play widening the lead to five points.
Daniels, the reigning Atlantic Sun Defensive Player of the Year and all-time blocked shot leader in UNF program history, then made is presence felt on the defensive end by swatting a late layup attempt by FGCU to help Ospreys hold on for the victory.
North Florida begins the second half of its conference schedule Monday as the Ospreys host in-state foe Stetson in UNF Arena at 7 p.m.
