Preview: Lipscomb Bisons at Florida Gulf Coast Eagles

FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles look to complete a regular-season sweep and solidify their position in the ASUN Conference standings when they host the Lipscomb Bisons in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Saturday at Alico Arena.

The Eagles (9-9, 3-2 ASUN) dominated the first meeting this season, winning 63-42 at Lipscomb on Jan. 10. Nay Staton led Florida Gulf Coast with 21 points and eight rebounds in that victory. Staton remains a key player, averaging 13.8 points over her last eight games, including a 15-point performance in Thursday’s 74-66 home loss to Austin Peay.

Lipscomb (6-12, 2-3) enters on a two-game skid, most recently falling 66-60 at Stetson on Thursday despite 19 points from Taylor Bowen and a 20-point effort from McKayla Miller. Bowen has been the Bisons’ most consistent offensive threat, scoring in double figures in seven of her last eight contests. She was held to eight points in the first matchup against FGCU.

The Eagles have struggled at home recently, dropping their last two at Alico Arena after the loss to Austin Peay and a 63-44 defeat to Columbia on Dec. 29. Prior to that, they had won three straight home conference games.

Lipscomb’s road record stands at 3-8 this season, with conference wins at North Florida and Austin Peay. The Bisons will need to improve their offensive output after being held under 45 points in two of their last five games.

Florida Gulf Coast holds a decisive historical edge in the series and will aim to use its defensive pressure, which forced Lipscomb into 42 points on 27.9% shooting in the January meeting, to control the tempo. The Eagles average 63.3 points per game, while the Bisons average 58.8.

Saturday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Following this game, Florida Gulf Coast begins a two-game road trip at Central Arkansas and North Alabama. Lipscomb returns home to host Jacksonville on Jan. 29.

Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST.