After a hard fought loss to USC, FGCU (1-2) looks to get back on track versus Eckerd College on Sunday, November 21st. For the Eagles, this game comes at a perfect time; sandwiched between USC and the upcoming Rhode Island game (Tuesday, November 23rd). Below we will break down the matchup.

Eckerd

The Tritons also sit at 1-2, with 2 decisions coming in overtime. Last year their season was cancelled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. Still, the Tritons return 10 players and added 2 more this off-season. Currently, their roster is made up of 6 freshmen, 3 sophomores, and 3 juniors. This type of youth means they will likely get better as the season rolls along. In the meantime, Eckerd has several players to keep an eye on. Daimar Dyall-Richards is an impressive Freshman. As a 6’6″ / 200 lb guard, he averaged 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in high school. This year, versus Western Alabama, he scored 15 points, dished out 3 assists, and hauled in 3 rebounds. Joshua Galloway is a 6’8″ / 200 lb center and their big man down low. He opened the season with a 27 point, 11 rebound game against Delta State. David Swedura has impressed so far this season, starting all 3 games and averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Swedura actually used to play at Triton College and was a teammate of FGCU’s Austin Richie. Daniel Love is one of the most experienced players on this roster. Prior to joining the Tritons, Love spent 2 seasons at Mercer where he played in almost 60 games. This year, the 6’3″ / 175 lb junior guard is averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, but also 5 turnovers. Lastly, Gianfranco Grafals is a valuable newcomer to the Tritons. The 6’5″ / 185 lb guard/forward is currently leading the team with nearly 14 ppg.

FGCU

For FGCU, this game follows 2 losses to very tough opponents in Loyola Chicago and USC. The Eagles were competitive and fought hard against both of those teams, keeping the games close and leaving a lot to be encouraged by, but also plenty to improve on. However, there are no moral victories in college hoops. FGCU still has a grueling Rhode Island opponent coming up on their schedule and this game against Eckerd could allow them to get bodies warm and build confidence heading into a tough matchup on Tuesday.

Projected Starters

Eckerd

• Daniel Love
• David Swedura
• Daimar Dyall-Richards
• Gianfranco Grafals
• Joshua Galloway

FGCU

• Tavian Dunn-Martin
• Caleb Catto
• Cyrus Largie
• Austin Richie
• Carlos Rosario

Outlook

When a DI team plays a DII team, it’s generally thought of as a guaranteed win for the DI squad, with a few exceptions. FGCU should aim to come out with the same fire and spirit that fueled their impressive play versus USC. Doing so would likely build a nice lead and allow younger guys and rotation guys to get in the mix, creating a desirable situation where everyone gets a piece. I think a couple of notable contributors like Kevin Samuel could be absent from this game as it is likely preferred to give him rest if he is to potentially contribute in a big way versus Rhode Island. This opens the door for Carlos Rosario, Dakota Rivers, and Andre Weir to each get going.

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