Florida Gulf Coast Eagles vs North Alabama Lions Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our North Alabama vs Florida Gulf Coast NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Fort Myers.

North Alabama vs Florida Gulf Coast Prediction

Betting on today's Lions and Eagles game? Catch the action at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, FL, as the Eagles hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 144.5 points, and Florida Gulf Coast is favored by -1.5 vs. North Alabama in a Atlantic Sun conference matchup.

North Alabama vs. Florida Gulf Coast Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: North Alabama Lions at Florida Gulf Coast Eagles
Where: Fort Myers at Alico Arena
Date: Thursday, January 9th
Betting Odds FLGC -1.5, NAL +107 | FLGC -130 O/U 144.5

Lions Preview: Can the Lions Pull Off a Road Win?

North Alabama improved to 8-5 on the season with an 88-67 win over Eastern Kentucky on Saturday. The Lions, who were -6 favorites, covered the spread in the victory.

North Alabama took control early, leading 50-29 at halftime. Both teams scored 38 points in the second half. The game’s total points of 155 went over the pre-game O/U line of 153.5.

Lions Offense Breakdown

North Alabama put up 88 points in their last game, shooting 47.8% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.7%. They hit 56.8% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 30.4% of their threes.

The Lions grabbed 19 offensive rebounds and dished out 17 assists. Will Soucie and Canin Jefferson led the team with 18 points each, while Taye Fields contributed 14 rebounds and 7 assists, shooting 71.4% from the field.

Lions Team Defense

Despite giving up 67 points, North Alabama's defense struggled to contain their opponent, who shot 47% from the field. They were particularly effective inside, hitting 56% of their two-point attempts (25/44).

From beyond the arc, the opposing team managed to connect on 7 of 23 three-point shots, good for 30%. They also went to the free-throw line 24 times, converting 17 of those attempts for 70%. North Alabama allowed 19 offensive rebounds in the game.

Eagles Preview: Can the Eagles Pull Out the Win as Home Favorites?

Florida Gulf Coast's season struggles continued with a 92-83 loss to Queens (NC) on Saturday, dropping their record to 5-9. The Eagles, who entered the game as -3.5 favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 51-39 at halftime, FGCU put up 44 points in the second half while allowing 41. The game’s total points reached 175, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 148.5.

Eagles Offense Breakdown

Leo Colimerio was unstoppable in Florida Gulf Coast's latest game, scoring 35 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-8 from three-point range. Dallion Johnson also hit 6 threes, finishing with 22 points, while Rahmir Barno dished out 9 assists.

As a team, FGCU hit 12 threes at a 44.4% clip, with an overall field goal percentage of 44.8%. Their effective field goal percentage was 53.7%, and they recorded 21 assists and 12 offensive rebounds in the game.

Eagles Team Defense

Florida Gulf Coast struggled defensively, giving up 92 points on 51% shooting from the field. They allowed 31 made field goals on 60 attempts.

Inside the arc, the Eagles gave up 19 two-point baskets on 31 attempts, a 61% shooting rate. From three-point range, they allowed 12 made threes on 29 attempts, a 41% success rate. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 23 times, where they made 18 free throws, shooting 78%.

Lions vs Eagles Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Across the Lions last ten road games, the team averaged 70 points per game while allowing 74. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-6, while going 5-5 straight-up.
Florida Gulf Coast has a 2-3 record in their last five home games. In this stretch, they averaged 74 points per game while allowing 75. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Lions have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 2-3.
Against the spread, the Eagles have put together 1-2 in their last three games as the betting favorite. In these same games, they went 2-1 straight up.