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The queens of the Atlantic Sun Conference are back at it again, aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in 14 seasons.
The FGCU women's basketball team will defend its ASUN crown, taking on a Central Arkansas team looking to deny the Eagles an NCAA Tournament bid. FGCU enters at 29-3, while the Sugar Bears enter at 23-8.
Watch the ASUN women's basketball final
The Eagles have had few issues under first-year coach Chelsea Lyles, who served as a longtime assistant under Karl Smesko, now with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Through her first 30 games, Lyles is 29-1 and has dominated the ASUN with an 18-0 record in conference action.
Will Lyles and company punch their ticket to the Big Dance? Or will Central Arkansas go to the tournament for the first time since 2017? Follow along for live updates from Fort Myers.
FGCU: The Eagles make their ninth consecutive ASUN title game appearance, but the first under first-year coach Chelsea Lyles, who has gone 29-1 leading the program thus far. FGCU ranks ninth in the country in scoring defense, led by Khamari Mitchell-Steen's 64 steals, while Emani Jefferson and Lauryn Taylor each have 45. The Eagles are scoring 72.3 points per game while surrendering just 53.2, marks that have led to an 18-0 record in conference play. Jefferson leads the bunch averaging 14.4 points per game, while Taylor's averaging 10.1.
Central Arkansas: The Sugar Bears will hope for a different outcome this time against FGCU, faltering at home and losing by 24 points in a 95-71 beatdown in Conway. Central Arkansas is led by Jade Upshaw, sitting at 15.1 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds, as well as Leah Mafua (12.0 PPG) and Kinley Fisher (11.0 PPG). The program allows 62.1 points per game against 69.7 points scored per contest, making them an underdog against the Eagles. Opposing teams shoot north of 34 percent from distance against the Sugar Bears, which is a slightly higher clip than FGCU's 33.9 percent.
FGCU 77, Central Arkansas 60: The Eagles won't waste any time here at home like it did against Eastern Kentucky, trailing by 15 points before rebounding and winning by 16. Don't be surprised if Khamari Mitchell-Steen feasts assuming the Sugar Bears try and lock down two-time ASUN Player of the Year Emani Jefferson. Casey Santoro could make an impact off the bench, having scored 8 points on 2 of 4 shooting from distance, adding a team-high 5 assists in the first matchup.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: FGCU vs. Central Arkansas live score, updates: ASUN basketball title game
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The FGCU women's basketball team will defend its ASUN crown, taking on a Central Arkansas team looking to deny the Eagles an NCAA Tournament bid. FGCU enters at 29-3, while the Sugar Bears enter at 23-8.
Watch the ASUN women's basketball final
The Eagles have had few issues under first-year coach Chelsea Lyles, who served as a longtime assistant under Karl Smesko, now with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Through her first 30 games, Lyles is 29-1 and has dominated the ASUN with an 18-0 record in conference action.
Will Lyles and company punch their ticket to the Big Dance? Or will Central Arkansas go to the tournament for the first time since 2017? Follow along for live updates from Fort Myers.
FGCU vs. Central Arkansas start time, TV info, location
- Start time: 2 p.m. ET
- TV info:ESPN+
- Location: Alico Arena, Fort Myers, Fla.
FGCU vs. Central Arkansas preview
FGCU: The Eagles make their ninth consecutive ASUN title game appearance, but the first under first-year coach Chelsea Lyles, who has gone 29-1 leading the program thus far. FGCU ranks ninth in the country in scoring defense, led by Khamari Mitchell-Steen's 64 steals, while Emani Jefferson and Lauryn Taylor each have 45. The Eagles are scoring 72.3 points per game while surrendering just 53.2, marks that have led to an 18-0 record in conference play. Jefferson leads the bunch averaging 14.4 points per game, while Taylor's averaging 10.1.
Central Arkansas: The Sugar Bears will hope for a different outcome this time against FGCU, faltering at home and losing by 24 points in a 95-71 beatdown in Conway. Central Arkansas is led by Jade Upshaw, sitting at 15.1 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds, as well as Leah Mafua (12.0 PPG) and Kinley Fisher (11.0 PPG). The program allows 62.1 points per game against 69.7 points scored per contest, making them an underdog against the Eagles. Opposing teams shoot north of 34 percent from distance against the Sugar Bears, which is a slightly higher clip than FGCU's 33.9 percent.
FGCU vs. Central Arkansas prediction, game picks
FGCU 77, Central Arkansas 60: The Eagles won't waste any time here at home like it did against Eastern Kentucky, trailing by 15 points before rebounding and winning by 16. Don't be surprised if Khamari Mitchell-Steen feasts assuming the Sugar Bears try and lock down two-time ASUN Player of the Year Emani Jefferson. Casey Santoro could make an impact off the bench, having scored 8 points on 2 of 4 shooting from distance, adding a team-high 5 assists in the first matchup.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: FGCU vs. Central Arkansas live score, updates: ASUN basketball title game
Continue reading...
