Just like that, the Eagles (8-3) have just 3 games left in 2021, as their non-conference slate winds to a close. Next up is a road clash in Pittsburgh against Robert Morris (1-7). Below we will break down that matchup.

Robert Morris (RMU)

RMU has had a rough go of it to start the year. The Colonials were just 0-7 to begin the season, before winning their last game against NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) DI team, Lancaster Bible College. RMU has face some tough opponents, including UCF, Kentucky, and Davidson. RMU’s roster features 12 guys, including 1 freshman, 4 sophomores, 4 juniors, and 3 seniors/grads. The Colonials are coached by Andrew Toole, who is in his 12th season in that role. On the court, they have been led by sophomore, Kam Farris. The 6’3″ / 165 lb guard has averaged 14 points. 2 rebounds, and 2 assists, while shooting a scorching hot percentage. He has played in just 4 games, making 2 starts. Most recently, he poured in 27 points while going 7/10 from deep. Kahliel Spear is a force for the Colonials. The 6’7″ / 220 lb senior forward has started all 8 games for his team. In doing so, he has averaged an impressive 13 points and 8 rebounds. 6’8″ / 220 lb forward, Justin Winston, has also started all 8 games for RMU. The athletic junior has averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds thus far. Lastly, Rasheem Dunn has paced the Colonials at the point guard spot. In his 8 starts, the 6’2″ / 190 lb graduate has averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

FGCU

The Eagles are off to their best start in quite some time at 8-3. Looking deeper into that, it’s not like they have had an easy schedule. FGCU has generally been winning the games it’s supposed to win and playing very competitively (or winning) in the ones they aren’t favored in. At times they have looked like an elite team. Other times, they have looked like a team still figuring things out. The great news is that, while there is a ton of room to improve and find consistency, they’re still racking up quality wins. Tavian Dunn-Martin had quite a bounce-back performance last time out. On the season, he is averaging 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Cyrus Largie’s stock continues to rise higher and higher. Through 11 starts, he is averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Lastly, Kevin Samuel has been a difference maker for the Eagles so far. At this point, he’s averaging 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.

Starting 5 Projections

RMU

• Rasheem Dunn
• Kam Farris
• Enoch Cheeks
• Kahliel Spear
• Justin Winston

FGCU

• Tavian Dunn-Martin
• Caleb Catto
• Cyrus
• Zach Anderson
• Kevin Samuel

Outlook

FGCU is looking to continue their impressive start to the season. After a loss to the always-troublesome FIU Panthers, the Eagles rebounded on the road against FAMU (1st road win of the season). They look to build more confidence and add to their record in this matchup with RMU. Tavian Dunn-Martin grew up a little more than 4 hours away, in West Virginia. I expect him to have a great game in front of any friends, family, or fans that are able to make it out to show their support. Additionally, the Colonials lack size in their main rotation of guys. Kevin Samuel has feasted on such teams, especially as of late. Matt Halvorsen has also played very well these last few games. Over the past 5 contests, he has averaged 11 points and has shot 14/29 (48%) from beyond the arc. Will the Eagles shoot the lights out and dominate? Will they find other ways to score if/when the shots stop falling? So far, this veteran team has proven that they have to skills to keep this train moving in a positive direction, starting with a win over Robert Morris.

Stay Tuned!

Follow Screecher Report on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc) to stay up to date on all things FGCU Hoops. Be sure to listen to the Screecher Report Podcast wherever you listen and right here at ScreecherRwport.com.