FGCU returns to NCAA Tournament for 11th time in 14 years, secures ninth straight ASUN title
As chants of "MVP" came from the FGCU student section, Emani Jefferson knew her job had been done. And her team's.
"We're gonna win," a confident Jefferson said after FGCU's win over Eastern Kentucky in the ASUN Semifinals, referring to Saturday's ASUN title game against Central Arkansas.
The two-time ASUN Player of the Year and two-time ASUN Tournament MVP let her play back up her talking, leading the Eagles to a 68-51 win over the Sugar Bears and helping the program secure its 11th NCAA Tournament appearance in 14 seasons.
"It feels amazing," Jefferson said. "I wouldn't be here without my teammates. I just want to say, thank you to my teammates for always building that confidence within me. They've been together."
Jefferson led the Eagles with 15 points, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists, all of which were team highs or tied for team highs. Dolly Cairns and Khamari Mitchell-Steen each added 10 points, while Lauryn Taylor (9 points), Skyler Gill (8 points), and Alahna Paige (8 points) each made their respective contributions.
"It's everything I dreamed of," Taylor said. "This is what I came to FGCU for. I'm just super grateful now that I got to do it with this team, with coach Lyles, regardless of the adversity. We're here. We're champions now. They thought it was a down year, but it (resulted in) the same thing."
Early on, FGCU (30-3) got caught in another slow start, leading 16-12 after one quarter of action. As the second quarter progressed, the Sugar Bears (23-9) continued to turn the ball over, committing 12 at halftime before finishing with 22 for the game.
With the game still in reach midway through the second quarter, Central Arkansas coach Tony Kemper received a technical foul, taking a timeout to berate the officiating crew after officials initially called a foul on a Mitchell-Steen drive. The crew shortly reversed it to continuation, with it resulting in an and-1 opportunity.
FGCU's lead entered double figures for the first time in the afternoon and stayed there for the duration, as the Sugar Bears trailed by as many as 21 midway through the third quarter as Cairns, Gill, and Kaelyn Flowers started to heat up. The pressure remained on Central Arkansas to mount a comeback, which it did after a quick 8-0 run to get within 45-32, but never got any closer.
"I think we did pretty well in the first half," FGCU coach Chelsea Lyles said. "The second half probably wasn't our best, but we hit some shots to keep that lead... We'll celebrate this one today and try to clean some things up before we go to the tournament.
"It feels really good, seeing them all celebrate and accomplish one of their goals. It's a coach's dream. I'm really happy for them. Now they get to all dance, and hopefully get a good matchup and we can see what we can do in the tournament."
During the postgame ceremonies, longtime FGCU coach Karl Smesko, who stepped down two games into the season to take the head coaching job with the WNBA's Atlanta Dream, emerged in his traditional blue plaid button-up shirt, an outfit that was an ASUN Championship tradition during his time in Fort Myers. Smesko shared an embrace with Lyles as those who stayed took in the moment.
"Today's stress levels were a little bit more than as an assistant coach," Lyles said. "But, I can't sit here and not give credit to coach Smesko for everything he has taught me, for believing in me. I'm just grateful for him."
Regardless of the opponent, the Eagles will aim to advance to the Round of 32 for the fifth time. Last season ended in the Round of 64 to Oklahoma, as a last-second shot from distance rimmed out.
"We're gonna celebrate today," Taylor. "This is something we worked for. We're gonna look to enjoy this the rest of this week, and we'll go back to game planning and prepping for the next game. Then we're gonna lock in and try to win another one."
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: FGCU dominates Central Arkansas, returns to NCAA Tournament with 68-51 win
Topics
-
Florida Gulf Coast wins women's ASUN Conference Tournament for ninth consecutive season
Emani Jefferson scored 15 points to lead Florida Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament championship for the ninth straight season, defeating Central Arkansas 68-51 on Saturday. The ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Florida Gulf Coast wins women's ASUN Conference Tournament for ninth consecutive season
Emani Jefferson scored 15 points to lead Florida Gulf Coast to the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament championship for the ninth straight season, defeating Central Arkansas 68-51ABC News - 11h -
Alabama State basketball punches NCAA Tournament ticket with SWAC conference title
With its 60-56 win over Jackson State in Saturday's SWAC Tournament, Alabama is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
Hess lifts Liberty to a 53-48 win over Middle Tennessee to claim Conference USA title, NCAA berth
Emma Hess drilled a deep 3-pointer with more than a minute left to give Liberty a six-point lead and added a pair of free throws in the closing seconds to secure a 53-48 win over Middle Tennessee ...Yahoo Sports - 8h -
England condemns sorry Wales to record 68-14 loss and stays in contention for Six Nations title
England consigned ailing rival Wales to a 17th straight loss with a record 10-try 68-14 drubbing in the Six Nations that ensured the title will be decided in the final match of the tournament ...Yahoo Sports - 13h -
FGCU women's basketball vs. Central Arkansas live score, updates, ASUN championship game
It's FGCU women's basketball vs Central Arkansas in the final of the Atlantic Sun Tournament. Follow for live scores from Fort Myers.Yahoo Sports - 17h -
Colorado State slams Boise State to win first Mountain West title since 2003
The Colorado State men's basketball team is heading back to the NCAA Tournament after the Rams secured March Madness with the Mountain West title.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Lipscomb vs. North Alabama prediction, odds, start time: 2025 ASUN Final picks, best bets from proven model
SportsLine's model simulated North Alabama Lions vs. Lipscomb Bisons in the 2025 ASUN Tournament championship game on Sunday 10,000 timesCBS Sports - 6d -
College basketball rankings: Gonzaga heading to its 26th straight NCAA Tournament after winning WCC title
The Zags removed any doubt about playing in the Big Dance by beating Saint Mary's to win the WCC TournamentCBS Sports - 3d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Arsenal feared losing Ethan Nwaneri to Chelsea – now he has eyes on Owen and Rooney records
This time two years ago, all seemed well at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team were the best in the land, five points clear at the top of the table and in the midst of a seven-match winning run in the ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Technology provides benefits for West Virginia football
Technology has come a long way in the game of football and Rich Rodriguez believes that it certainly has a place.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Commanders bring back former No. 4 overall pick for 2025
The Washington Commanders are bringing back defensive end Clelin Ferrell for next season.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
LIVE UPDATES: Bishop Stang vs. Hingham girls hockey MIAA state championship
Bishop Stang girls hockey will play Hingham on Sunday in the MIAA Division 1 state championship. Stick here for updates.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Huge mock draft update after 1st wave of free agency
Where does Shedeur Sanders land in our new mock draft update?Yahoo Sports - 20m
More in Sports
-
Arsenal feared losing Ethan Nwaneri to Chelsea – now he has eyes on Owen and Rooney records
This time two years ago, all seemed well at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s team were the best in the land, five points clear at the top of the table and in the midst of a seven-match winning run in the ...Yahoo Sports - 16m -
Technology provides benefits for West Virginia football
Technology has come a long way in the game of football and Rich Rodriguez believes that it certainly has a place.Yahoo Sports - 19m -
Commanders bring back former No. 4 overall pick for 2025
The Washington Commanders are bringing back defensive end Clelin Ferrell for next season.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
LIVE UPDATES: Bishop Stang vs. Hingham girls hockey MIAA state championship
Bishop Stang girls hockey will play Hingham on Sunday in the MIAA Division 1 state championship. Stick here for updates.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Huge mock draft update after 1st wave of free agency
Where does Shedeur Sanders land in our new mock draft update?Yahoo Sports - 20m