BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Florida Gulf Coast University women's basketball team earned the road victory Friday afternoon, knocking off Florida Atlantic, 70-59, at the Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. FGCU set the tone with efficient offense, strong play in the paint, and consistent defensive pressure, building control early and holding steady down the stretch to secure the nonconference win.


RECORDS: Florida Gulf Coast 3-5, 0-0 ASUN | Florida Atlantic 5-4, 0-0 American
SCORE: Florida Gulf Coast 70 | Florida Atlantic 59
LOCATION: Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena | Boca Raton, Fla.


First Quarter: FGCU established its presence early by attacking the paint and "sharing the sugar". Jalei Pillow opened the scoring with a finish inside, while Cerina Rolle knocked down an early three to spark the offense. Nay Staton and Pillow added baskets around the rim, and Karina Gordon connected on a triple to continue to build the momentum. The Eagles' defense made its impact felt right away, creating turnovers early and setting the tone in an 18-11 lead for the Eagles after one.

Second Quarter: The Eagles continued to extend the lead with efficient offensive execution and active defense. Eve Alexander scored in transition, while Pillow remained a steady presence inside. Sinai Douglas connected from beyond the arc and finished in the paint, and FGCU held FAU to single-digit scoring in the period, heading into halftime with a 34-19 advantage.

Third Quarter: Florida Atlantic responded with a shooting surge out of the break, but FGCU answered with poise. Rolle knocked down another three, Douglas finished through contact, and Staton controlled the glass to limit second-chance opportunities. Despite FAU trimming the margin, the Eagles maintained control. Maca Retamales connected from deep in the closing seconds, pushing the Eagles ahead 49-37 heading into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter: FGCU closed out the game with poise and efficiency at the offensive end. Gordon was a steady presence late, finishing a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line, including several key makes in the fourth quarter. Pillow continued her strong performance inside and finished with a season-high 12 points as the Eagles controlled the final minutes and secured the 70-59 road victory.


Head Coach Raina Harmon - "I thought we came out and set the tone defensively right away. We followed the scout, played from the inside out, and really got FAU on their heels in the first half. I'm proud of the way we kept our composure down the stretch when they got hot from 3 AND how confidently we knocked down free throws to close out the fourth quarter. This team continues to submit to the process and we're seeing huge gains because of it!"


Sinai Douglas - 13 PTS, 4 REB, 5 AST
Jalei Pillow - 12 PTS (Season-High), 5 REB, 1 BLK
Cerina Rolle - 11 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
Karina Gordon - 10 PTS (7-7 FT), 2 REB, 3 AST
Nay Staton - 9 PTS, 7 REB, 2 STL


The Eagles return home to Alico Arena for a marquee matchup, hosting No. 3 South Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the FGCU vs #3 South Carolina game, please visit this link, or call (866) 342-8849.

To stay up-to-date on the Eagles, be sure to follow on Instagram and X at FGCU_WBB.