It was a homecoming and a white-out game at UNF Arena on Saturday evening, as the North Florida Ospreys took down the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. FGCU came into the game winners of five straight games, but were unable to capitalize on a UNF team that was missing two starters in Jose Placer and Carter Hendricksen. UNF has now won six out of their last eight games and is turning into one of the hottest teams to end the regular season in the conference (ASUN).
The first half was an absolutely dominating performance by the Ospreys defensively and on the boards. UNF, led by Forward Jadyn Parker, out-rebounded FGCU 27-18 in the first half and held the Eagles to just 32% shooting from the field. UNF went into the half feeling good about their strong performance leading 38-26.
In the second half, the Ospreys were able to stretch their lead out to 14 points before the Eagles stormed back. After slowly chipping away at the double digit lead, FGCU’s Tavian Dunn-Martin hit a big three with 6:39 remaining to give the Eagles a three point lead. The Ospreys did not back down from the challenge and were ignited by their home crowd to take back the lead. UNF, led by Forward Jaydan Parker, who lead all scorers with 16, helped the Ospreys get firmly back into control of the game. A clutch layup and critical free throws by both Jarius Hicklen and Chaz Lanier helped to ice the game as UNF took down FGCU in an ASUN Conference game.
The Ospreys held one of the best scorers in the ASUn Conference in Travian Dunn-Martin to 10 points and 2-19 shooting.
We asked Jadyn Parker how they were able to contain Martin on the interior as he shot 0-9 inside the arc. Jadyn had this to say:
“Our defensive principle was to force him into driving. We wanted him to take those though shots over our length (Johnathan Aybar) and it is a little tougher for him because he is a little shorter, we’re like 6’10, 6’9.”
What’s Next?
This was a critical win for the Ospreys as they still are fighting for position in seeding for the ASUN tournament. UNF will take on in-state rival Jacksonville University on Tuesday evening in a River City Rumble 2.0.
The North Florida Ospreys UPSET the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, 70-64, in their final home game of the season! pic.twitter.com/1GrXInwGK3
— FL Teams (@FLTeams) February 20, 2022