Florida Gulf Coast University’s men’s basketball team opened their season with an impressive 96-60 victory against New College of Florida. The win highlighted a standout performance from junior guard Dwyer, who scored 14 points, including his first collegiate basket. Dwyer expressed relief and excitement after the game, remarking on the adrenaline rush from playing in front of an enthusiastic crowd that had been cheering for him.
“It’s been a long journey; it’s my fifth year in college,” Dwyer said. “My teammates call me ‘Unc’. It’s nice to have that weight lifted off my shoulders.” He reflected on his initial struggles with shooting but found encouragement from his teammates, who motivated him to take another shot.
Dwyer’s performance was complemented by junior forward Barno, who dominated the first half with ten points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in just 13 minutes of play. Notre Dame transfer JR Konieczny also made an impact, contributing eight rebounds and a team-leading five assists.
Although New College of Florida managed some early shots, FGCU’s defense tightened up, allowing the Mighty Banyans to only make six field goals in the last 12 minutes of the first half. The Eagles showcased their strength with a 13-0 run at the start of the second half, decisively pulling away with the game in control.
“It felt amazing,” Barno commented on the win. “We’ve been waiting six months to do this. We had a nice crowd, salute to the fans. It felt great to give the fans the first win of the season and to go to war with these guys.”
In addition to Dwyer and Barno, several other players also recorded their first collegiate points, showing promise for the future of the team. Freshman guards Ellerbee and Tanner made contributions, with Ellerbee scoring seven points and Tanner hitting FGCU’s final 3-pointer.
With this victory, the Eagles improved their all-time record to 5-0 in season openers at Alico Arena, marking head coach’s first win at home after beginning his FGCU tenure with three road games. Looking ahead, FGCU is set to face No. 17 Illinois in what will be their first power conference matchup of the season on Friday, November 7, at 8:30 p.m. ET.
For more information about FGCU men’s basketball, fans can follow the team on social media platforms including Instagram and Twitter, or visit fgcuathletics.com for updates. The team’s strong performance in their opener hints at a promising season ahead, offering hope for both fans and players alike.