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2017 Atlantic Sun Tournament: Florida Gulf Coast takes the title

By Doug Winkey

Nov 20, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Florida Gulf Coast Eagles guard Reggie Reid (1) brings the ball up court during the first half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Florida Gulf Coast Eagles guard Reggie Reid (1) brings the ball up court during the first half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlantic Sun Tournament championship saw in-state rivals Florida Gulf Coast and North Florida square off for an automatic spot in the Big Dance.

The Atlantic Sun Tournament title game put Florida Gulf Coast’s big winning streak on the line against in-state rival North Florida. FGCU went 12-2 in A-Sun play and beat both Stetson and Kennesaw State en route to the title game. UNF beat Jacksonville and upset the 2-seed Lipscomb for their second straight shot at the NCAA Tournament. The Ospreys actually led at halftime, but couldn’t maintain their lead with 23% shooting from deep and just 35% overall. The balanced Eagles from Fort Myers, FL will represent the Atlantic Sun this year.

I really like the team formerly known as ‘Dunk City’ to put the fear into a power program this time around. The Eagles beat Sun Belt favorite Texas-Arlington and played both Baylor and Michigan State tough on the road. FGCU loves to slow opponents down and take efficient shots. The team is just 297th in tempo, but 77th in adjusted offense. The Eagles shooting splits are 50/35/70, so opponents really haven’t been able to get them out of rhythm all year.

Gulf Coast’s eventual draw will have to contend with four double-figure scorers led by UCF transfer Brandon Goodwin. The former Knight averages 18.2 points, 4.7 boards, and 3.9 assists. He also shoots 52% from the field and 37% from deep. The Eagles have six players averaging no fewer than seven points. I like their offensive balance and depth to push a power school to the limit.

Next: Five teams that could win ACC tournament

Gulf Coast is now in their third NCAA in five years and second straight under former Kansas assistant Joe Dooley. Dunk City could be one of those popular Cinderella picks with their history and experience. Keep your eyes on these high-flying Eagles on Selection Sunday

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