The Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) men’s basketball team will host Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Thursday in a crucial match-up at the Baptist Health Arena in Richmond, Kentucky. The game, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., will be aired live on ESPN+ and can also be heard on WCYO 100.7 FM or via the EKUSports website.
Both teams are currently tied for second place in the ASUN Conference, with a record of 3-1. The league leader, Stetson, has a record of 4-0. This match-up presents an opportunity for either team to gain an edge in the standings, and for EKU, to potentially even the all-time series which currently stands at 1-0 in FGCU’s favor.
EKU comes into the game on a high note, having handed Liberty their first conference loss on Sunday, with a 62-59 victory at home. They have now won two straight games and five of their last six. Devontae Blanton has been a standout player for the Colonels, scoring in double figures in the last five games and averaging 17.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field and 42% from 3-point range. Isaiah Cozart leads the team in blocks, averaging 1.94 blocks per game and is also sixth in the league in rebounding at 6.76 rebounds per game.
FGCU, with a record of 13-4, has conference wins over Jacksonville, Central Arkansas and North Florida, with their only loss coming against Austin Peay by two points. The Eagles have been strong defensively, holding their opponents to 66.3 points per game, which is fourth-best in the ASUN. They have also been efficient on offense, led by Isaiah Thompson’s 13.6 points per game and Zach Anderson’s 12.5 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game.
Thursday will also be Community Night at the Baptist Health Arena, with upper-level tickets available for $5. Eastern Kentucky’s high-scoring offense and solid defense will be put to the test against FGCU’s balanced scoring attack and stingy defense in a game that has the potential to greatly impact the standings in the ASUN Conference.
