Florida Gulf Coast University’s Women’s Basketball team won their first game of the NCAA Tournament, making history in the process. This victory marks the first time in program history that the team has advanced to the second round of the tournament. The team showed grit and determination on the court, dominating the game against the University of Michigan. This is a significant accomplishment for the Eagles, and fans are eagerly anticipating their next match.
FGCU Women’s Basketball Wins First Round of NCAA Tournament
On March 22, 2021, the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Women’s Basketball team defeated Michigan State in their first-round NCAA Tournament game, with a final score of 78-70. This victory marks the first NCAA Tournament win for the program in school history.
The Game
The game was held at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, where the entire NCAA Tournament is being played due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. FGCU entered the game as the #13 seed in the Hemisfair region, while Michigan State was the #4 seed.
The Eagles got off to a slow start, trailing 13-2 early in the first quarter. However, they rallied and took the lead by halftime, with a score of 35-33. FGCU held onto their lead for the rest of the game, despite several comeback attempts from Michigan State.
Redshirt junior guard Kierstan Bell led the way for the Eagles, scoring a game-high 26 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Senior guard TK Morehouse added 19 points, while sophomore guard Emma List contributed 14 points and six assists.
The History
The FGCU Women’s Basketball program has been a consistent force in the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) since its inception in 2002. The team has won the ASUN regular-season title ten times and the conference tournament seven times.
However, the program had never won an NCAA Tournament game until this year. They had made five previous appearances in the tournament, but had lost in the first round each time.
The Impact
The win over Michigan State is a historic moment for the FGCU Women’s Basketball program. It not only marks the first NCAA Tournament victory for the team, but it also puts them on the national stage and gives them exposure to a wider audience.
The win also has a significant impact on the ASUN as a whole. The conference is often overlooked by national media and fans, but FGCU’s victory over Michigan State demonstrates the talent and competitiveness of ASUN programs.
The Future
With their first-round victory, FGCU now advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They will face off against the #5 seed Oregon Ducks on March 24, 2021.
This is an exciting time for FGCU Women’s Basketball and its fans. The program has grown exponentially over the years, and this win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff.
As the team continues its tournament run, they have the opportunity to make even more history and establish themselves as a formidable program on the national stage.
Conclusion
The FGCU Women’s Basketball team’s first-round victory over Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament is a historic moment for the program and the ASUN as a whole. The win not only puts the team on the national stage but also demonstrates the talent and competitiveness of ASUN programs. As the Eagles continue their tournament run, we can only expect more excitement and history-making moments from this talented team.
