FGCU opened its season with a near-upset, falling to UCF 96-95 in overtime after Bryson Lucas’ 92-foot buzzer-beater attempt rolled off the rim. Lucas scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Justin Houser added 20 points in a performance that showed the Eagles can compete with high-major opponents.

By the Numbers
  • UCF’s Dior Johnson led all scorers with 41 points.
  • FGCU made 12 3-pointers and shot 25-for-27 (93%) from the free-throw line.
  • The Eagles outrebounded UCF 37-27.
  • FGCU erased a 12-point second-half deficit and tied the game at 82 with a layup as regulation expired.
Yes, But

FGCU’s strong shooting and rebounding gave it a chance to win, but UCF’s late-game execution proved decisive. The Knights turned a 92-92 tie into a lead, then survived missed free throws and Lucas’ final heave.

State of Play
  • FGCU starts the season 0-1; UCF opens at 1-0.
  • The Eagles’ 38-36 halftime lead over a power-conference opponent was their first since 2015.
  • FGCU returns home to face New College of Florida on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m.
Bottom Line

The loss stings, but FGCU’s comeback, depth of scoring and resilience offer an encouraging early measure of its upgraded roster.