By Bill Levy
Though an FGCU blowout that was trending early on did not happen, most of the 4,124 who were in attendance would probably say they got their money’s worth in the Eagles thrilling 82-78 overtime victory against NJIT at the Alico Center on Thursday night. With the win, FGCU is 2-0 in the A-Sun Conference and 11-7 overall.
Things were going smoothly at the start for the Eagles as they built a 39-18 lead late in the first half. The Highlanders (0-2, 9-9) though closed out the half by going on an 11-2 run to only trail 41-29 entering halftime.
NJIT continued to chip away at the deficit and were only down by one point, 70-69 with about ten seconds in regulation. After Julian DeBose made one of two free throws to put FGCU up 71-69 with approximately five seconds left in the second half, the Eagles Reggie Reid fouled the Highlanders’ Damon Lynn, who calmly knocked down both free throws to send the game into overtime.
“We took the momentum away from ourselves,” Eagles coach Joe Dooley said. “They did a good job of getting on a roll.”
Though NJIT tool their first lead of the game, at 76-73 in overtime, FGCU outscored the Highlanders 9-2 to close out the scoring and come away with a hard fought victory.
“We try to stay (mentally) in the game, not matter how we are playing or what kind of run the other team is on,” said Christian Terrell, who had 12 points for the Eagles.
Also in doubles figured for FGCU was Marc-Eddy Norelia (18), Zach Johnson (16), Debose (15) and Antravious Simmons (10).
DeBose noted that the Eagles’ preseason schedule, in which they played many close games, helped them in a game like this.
“We have been tested early on,” he said. “We didn’t give up and we found a way to win.”
Though he wasn’t pleased with how the Eagles gave up a big lead, he was happy with the outcome.
“We did a good job coming back (in overtime),” he said. “It was a good win.”