Florida Gulf Coast University women’s basketball is heading back to the NCAA Tournament after clinching another Atlantic Sun Conference Championship. This marks the 11th tournament appearance for the Eagles, who are no strangers to March Madness.
Selection Sunday delivered a sense of déjà vu for FGCU. The Eagles, seeded 14th, will once again face the Oklahoma Sooners, a team that edged them out in last year’s tournament by just 3 points. As the bracket was announced, cheers erupted from the team as it learned of its upcoming rematch.
Reflecting on last year’s heartbreaking loss, FGCU guard Emani Jefferson recalled the narrow defeat.
“What was going on in my brain was like last year, when it all came down to one shot. But, like, we beat ourselves,” she said.
The Eagles are determined to make the most of this opportunity despite being assigned the lowest seed in program history.
Lauryn Taylor emphasized the team’s drive to rise above the challenge.
“Things happen for a reason. We were the 14 seed, which some people may or may not agree with, but at the end of the day, we’re just coming to play. So I’m super excited,” Taylor said.
Oklahoma, now a No. 3 seed, transitioned from the Big 12 to the SEC this season and finished with a solid 25-7 overall record. The Sooners bring experience and a strong squad, but FGCU is confident in its ability to compete.
FGCU head coach Chelsea Lyles is focused on strategy.
“It’s all about where’s our advantage? Where can we get some extra possessions? Their system is still the same, so you can kind of look at that, but you'll have to change some stuff with personnel. And then we have different personnel as well. So it should be a good matchup for us, and we’re excited about it,” Lyles said.
The FGCU Eagles will face the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, March 22, in Norman, Oklahoma. Tipoff is set for 2:30 p.m. as the Eagles look to rewrite last year’s ending and advance in March Madness.