FGCU visits North Florida after Hicklen's 31-point game

Published Feb. 18, 2022 2:22 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (18-9, 8-5 ASUN) at North Florida Ospreys (9-18, 5-8 ASUN)

Jacksonville, Florida; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: North Florida hosts the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles after Jarius Hicklen scored 31 points in North Florida's 72-69 victory over the Liberty Flames.

The Ospreys are 6-5 in home games. North Florida ranks eighth in the ASUN in team defense, allowing 71.4 points while holding opponents to 42.7% shooting.

The Eagles are 8-5 in conference matchups. FGCU averages 78.0 points while outscoring opponents by 4.7 points per game.

The teams play for the second time this season in ASUN play. The Eagles won the last matchup 74-67 on Jan. 6. Kevin Samuel scored 16 points to help lead the Eagles to the win.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Placer is averaging 14.9 points for the Ospreys. Hicklen is averaging 16.8 points over the last 10 games for North Florida.

Samuel is averaging 11.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks for the Eagles. Tavian Dunn-Martin is averaging 3.3 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for FGCU.

LAST 10 GAMES: Ospreys: 5-5, averaging 73.3 points, 33.1 rebounds, 13.4 assists, 4.4 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 43.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 71.4 points per game.

Eagles: 7-3, averaging 81.4 points, 35.8 rebounds, 16.7 assists, 6.2 steals and 5.2 blocks per game while shooting 45.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 77.4 points.

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