Written by Dick Allen Click here to see other photos
The game started like a A-Sun contest with the clock not starting after the tip off, then again when the ball was taken inbounds. Finally, on the third try, they got it right and we were off to the races.
The FGCU men making their 2 nd “Big Dance” appearance in their brief, 4-year Division I eligibility have amassed the second best winning percentage (750percent) in NCAA history, only behind Duke. With the stunning 96-65 victory over under manned Fairleigh Dickinson, the victory sets up a date with the number 1 seeded North Carolina Tar Heels.
Who can forget the 15th seeded Eagles shocking the basketball world when they beat the #2 seeded George Town Hoyas on their way to become the first 15 seed to reach the Sweet Sixteen in NCAA history. Now it is the #16 seeded Eagles to face history once again. Never has a 16th seed beat a #1 seed. So…….
Dunk City has not been the same since their last NCAA appearance when the country fell in love with those high flying Eagles. But since, Joe Dooley has put his stamp on this new bunch of Eagles. That stamp is defense. But on Tuesday night, shades of old brought the arena to their feet when Zack Johnson thru up an “Ollie Opp” pass to Demetris Morant who, yep, slammed dunk the first 2 points of the game, and the Eagles never looked back.
Never trailing, FGCU dominated in the first half 40-19, highlighted by a 13-2 run in the first 4:26 minutes of play. With 3:32 remaining in the half, and with the score 34-13, the Eagles only flaw was a paltry 4 of 15 from the free throw line. At half time, Marc-Eddy Norelia led all scorers with 14 points, followed by Morant who had 8. FGCU shot 59.3 percent from the field but were only 2-11 from beyond the arc. The Dooley defense held the Knights to 21.4 percent from the field, and not much better 28.6 percent from the three-point line.
The second half saw the Knights trying to make a run. As Earl Potts, Jr. Made 3 conceive 3 pointers and at the first media time out closed the score to 48-32. But that was all she wrote! One could hear the “fat lady” clearing her throat. The lead grew to 20, then 25, then 30. Every player on the roster got into the game, and all but the 2 walk on players scored. And in good Dunk City fashion the last basket was a colossal dunk as Zack Johnson slammed down the exclamation point ending an exciting evening!
FGCU 96 – FDU 65 See you in Raleigh!