On the high of a 5 game win streak, FGCU (6-3) lost a tough one to FIU earlier this week. In that game, the Eagles shot uncharacteristically bad (just 20% from 3) and committed 20 turnovers. Junior guard Cyrus Largie led the team with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals, but shot just 1-5 from beyond the arc and committed 5 turnovers. Despite the poor team performance, FGCU was down by just 2 with only 6 minutes remaining. Tonight (Saturday, December 4th), the Eagles look to get the taste of defeat out of their mouths as they welcome Dartmouth to Alico Arena (7PM). These teams have faced off just 1 time before (2019-20) in a very ugly, low-scoring game that saw the Eagles lose 55-49. Below we will break down tonight’s matchup.

Dartmouth

The Big Green head into the contest with a 3-2 record, including a win over Georgetown and losses to Vermont and Boston College. They typically run with about 8 main guys on a given night, but have a lot of depth as well. They are led on the court by 6’2″ / 180 lb guard, Brendan Barry (Grad). Through 5 games (all starts) he has averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Interestingly, Barry is shooting 44% from beyond the arc, but just 34% from the field. Taurus Samuels is a 6’1″ / 190 lb senior guard who lives up to his bullish name. Through 5 starts, he is averaging 11 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 45% from the floor and 44% from 3. Lastly, Aaryn Rai (5th year) is a 6’6″ / 220 lb forward who has averaged 10 points and 9 rebounds through his 5 starts this year. Dartmouth is coached by David McLaughlin, who is in his 6th year with the Big Green.

FGCU

The Eagles continue to be lead by Tavian Dunn-Martin (Grad), who is averaging 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists, through 8 games. The 5’8″ guard was held in check versus FIU but is still shooting 42% from 3 on the season. Cyrus Largie has played well all season and seems to just be hitting his stride. Through 9 games, he has scored in double figures 8 times. Over his last 3 games, he has averaged 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while shooting 58% from the floor and 45% from deep. 6’11” / 255 lb forward, Kevin Samuel (5th year), has really started coming into his own as well. Over his last 3 games, he is averaging 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game.

Starting 5 Projections

Dartmouth

• Brendan Barry
• Taurus Samuels
• Wes Slajchert
• Aaryn Rai
• Nate Ogbu

FGCU

• Tavian Dunn-Martin
• Caleb Catto
• Cyrus Largie
• Dakota Rivers
• Kevin Samuel

Outlook

It was a stinker for the Eagles against FIU (a team they seem to always struggle against, no matter the circumstances). Coach Fly and the squad will look to come out hot and keep it that way for the whole game. Last time these teams met, FGCU was clearly more talented. But, in the midst of a rebuild, the Eagles were not the better “team” and ended up losing. This year, the team in Green and Blue has already proven to have a level of chemistry, talent, and teamwork that has been absent for several years. FGCU has an opportunity to play to their potential and really dominate this game. There’s also a circumstance where the game is a lot closer than it should be and either team could come out on top. Look for Tavian Dunn-Martin to come out and prove that the FIU game was just a fluke. Look for Largie and Samuel to continue settling into their dominant roles. Look for guys like Caleb Catto, Austin Richie, and/or Matt Halvorsen to pop off at any moment. This should be a fun game and we hope to see you at Alico!

Stay Tuned!

Follow Screecher Report to stay up to date on all things FGCU Basketball. Find us on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, etc) and listen to the podcast wherever you do so (Spotify, Apple, Google, YouTube, etc). Wings up!