Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Hold Off Stetson Hatters 78-76 Behind Jordan Ellerbee's 18 Points

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles secured a hard-fought 78-76 victory over the Stetson Hatters, with Jordan Ellerbee leading the charge with 18 points. This win marked the Eagles' 12th victory of the season, improving their record to 12-15. The Stetson Hatters, on the other hand, fell to 9-18, with their top performer Collin Kuhl putting up an impressive 28 points and 12 rebounds. The Eagles' 44 points in the first period set the tone for the game, as they maintained a narrow lead throughout.

The game was tightly contested from the start, with both teams scoring 44 points in the first period. The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles managed to maintain a slim lead, scoring 34 points in the second period to secure the 78-76 win. The Stetson Hatters fought hard, with Collin Kuhl's 28 points and 12 rebounds keeping them in the game. However, the Eagles' balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures, ultimately proved too much for the Hatters. Jordan Ellerbee's 18 points, Michael Duax's 15 points, and J.R. Konieczny's 14 points and 8 rebounds were crucial in the Eagles' victory. The Hatters' 32 points in the second period were not enough to overcome the Eagles' strong start.

The top performers of the game were Jordan Ellerbee and Collin Kuhl, who put up 18 and 28 points, respectively. Ellerbee's 18 points led the Eagles, while Kuhl's 28 points and 12 rebounds were a highlight for the Hatters. Other notable performers included Michael Duax, who scored 15 points for the Eagles, and Ethan Copeland, who scored 19 points for the Hatters. J.R. Konieczny's 14 points and 8 rebounds were also crucial for the Eagles, as they outrebounded the Hatters 34-32. Finley Sheridan's 12 points and 6 rebounds rounded out the Hatters' top performers.

The Eagles' 44 points in the first period were a key factor in their victory, as they shot 53.8% from the field. The Hatters, on the other hand, shot 51.9% from the field, but were outrebounded by 2. The Eagles' 34 points in the second period were enough to secure the win, despite the Hatters' strong effort. The Hatters' 32 points in the second period were not enough to overcome the Eagles' strong start. The Eagles' 78 points were their 12th highest scoring total of the season, while the Hatters' 76 points were their 10th highest scoring total.

The CHD Scout predicted a Florida Gulf Coast victory by 11 points, with a predicted score of 83-72. While the Eagles did secure the win, the margin was much closer than predicted, with a final score of 78-76. The CHD Scout was correct in predicting the winner, but underestimated the Hatters' ability to keep the game close. The Eagles' 12-15 record and 250 NET ranking made them the favorites going into the game, but the Hatters' 9-18 record and 329 NET ranking made them a formidable opponent.

This game was a Quadrant 4 game for both teams, with the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles improving their record to 12-15. The Stetson Hatters, on the other hand, fell to 9-18. The Eagles' win did not significantly impact their NET ranking, but it did improve their overall record. The Hatters' loss, on the other hand, dropped them to 9-18, making it increasingly difficult for them to improve their tournament resume. The Eagles' 12 wins are their most since the 2020-2021 season, and they want to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.

The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles will face off against the Liberty Flames on February 17, while the Stetson Hatters will take on the North Alabama Lions on February 18. Both teams want to build on their performances in this game, with the Eagles seeking to improve their tournament resume and the Hatters seeking to snap their losing streak.