STATE YOUR CASE: Will Florida Gulf Coast reach the Final Four?
BY CURTIS LUNDSTROM
sports editor
Every fairy tale comes to an end at some point.
As much as I’d love the #DunkCity train to roll into the Elite Eight, I don’t see it happening.
Here’s why:
The Eagles have won the hearts of America with their fast-paced, high-flying offense, soaring past Georgetown and San Diego State.
But if there’s any aspect of the SEC that translates from football to basketball, it’s defense.
The Gator chomp is appropriate with Florida’s defense. The Gators rank third nationally in points allowed per game, behind Western Illinois and Stephen F. Austin.
They force nearly 15 turnovers per game, which FGCU’s fast-paced style will play right into. A rushed offense usually results in more turnovers.
Perhaps more importantly though, the Gators can match the Eagles energy when playing above the rim. They’re much bigger and taller than San Diego State was with three guys standing at least 6-foot-7. And no disrespect to Georgetown or FGCU, the Eagles took the Hoyas by surprise in the first round.
The Gators have plenty of warning going into their matchup with the Eagles. They know they’re up against America’s sweetheart, but don’t expect them to let that deter them from their goal of winning their third title in the last eight years.
Besides, when was the last time you saw an eagle fight with an gator on the National Geographic channel and win?
– curtislundstrom@gmail.com
Twitter: @CurtisLundstrom
BY CONNOR COMEAU
staff writer
Cinderella. That nickname is synonymous with many teams that have played in past tournaments, such as the 2006 George Mason Patriots, the 2010 Butler Bulldogs and the 2011 VCU Rams. This year, it’s the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles. They have been the most impressive team in the tournament, even earning the nickname “Dunk City”.
Before the tournament, nobody knew who the Eagles were. Now, they are the first 15-seed ever to make the Sweet 16. They have been very impressive as of late, beating both 2-seed Georgetown and 7-seed San Diego State by double digits – but go back even further to the Atlantic Sun conference championship. The Eagles went to Mercer University and beat them by 13 on their own court. The Eagles have definitely shown they can win in big games, both in the regular season and in the tournament.
The tournament is all about the team with the most momentum, and Florida Gulf Coast is the hottest team coming in. But now they are going to Texas to play their big brother, the Florida Gators. The Gators have had a great run in the SEC this year, getting as high as No. 3 in the national rankings, but this year they have dropped some easily winnable games.
Combine heavy momentum with having nothing to lose and the Eagles are a very dangerous team, so much so that they are one of my picks to actually make it to the Final Four in Atlanta.
All other teams need to watch out, because the Eagles are flying high.
– connor.comeau@aggiemail.usu.edu
Twitter: @Connor_Comeau