ASUN Rivals Clash as Lipscomb Visits Florida Gulf Coast

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — A pivotal early conference matchup awaits Saturday when the Lipscomb Bisons visit the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at Alico Arena.

Both teams look to rebound from Thursday afternoon losses that stalled their momentum. Lipscomb (9-7, 1-1 ASUN) fell 91-83 at Stetson, while Florida Gulf Coast (7-9, 1-1) dropped an 82-71 home decision to Austin Peay.

The Bisons, who hold the better overall record, have been led by the consistent scoring of guard Grant Asman. He is averaging 15.4 points over his last seven games, including a 21-point effort in the loss at Stetson. His versatility was on display in a Jan. 1 win over Jacksonville, where he posted 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block.

The Eagles counter with guard JR Konieczny, a dynamic offensive threat coming off a 20-point performance against Austin Peay. Konieczny has shown high-level scoring ability, pouring in 25 points in a narrow road loss at Central Arkansas on New Year’s Day.

Lipscomb’s season has featured a potent offense, evidenced by a 123-point outburst against Blue Mountain College and a 90-point showing at Marshall. However, they have struggled against high-major competition, with lopsided losses at Duke and Cincinnati.

Florida Gulf Coast has faced a challenging non-conference slate, with defeats at UCF, New Mexico and Florida Atlantic. Their conference play opened with a split on a road swing to Alabama and Arkansas.

Historically, the ASUN matchup has been tightly contested. The teams will meet again in Nashville just two weeks later on Jan. 24.

For Lipscomb, containing Konieczny and improving perimeter defense will be key after allowing 91 points to Stetson. For the Eagles, finding secondary scoring behind Konieczny and defending home court is critical as they seek to climb above .500 in league play.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon at Alico Arena on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University.