JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville men's basketball winning streak came to an end Wednesday after a 83-79 loss to Florida Gulf Coast.

The Dolphins led by as many as 24 points but were not able to close the door down the stretch against the visiting Eagles.

Wednesday's defeat puts Jacksonville at 13-8 and 7-2 in ASUN play. The loss was Jacksonville's first in seven games.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Jacksonville's loss was a typical tale of two halves game, wherein the first half belonged solely to the Dolphins. 

Zimi Nwokeji was as dominant as a player could be in the opening 20 minutes, posting a 16-point half on a perfect 6-6 shooting. Nwokeji finished with 21 points which set a Jacksonville career-high for the senior, breaking his previous career-high of 19 set against Virginia Tech.

Robert McCray V joined Nwokeji in scoring in the first half with 10 of his own. The guard finished his night with 15 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

As a whole, Jacksonville had arguably its best half as a unit all season.  The 'Phins turned the ball over just one time and held FGCU's leading scorer Dallion Johnson to just three points.

The JU defense forced 10 turnovers and had five total steals in the opening frame. Jacksonville also had 11 assists on its 20 made shots.

By game's end, JU shot 50% from the field (31-62) and posted an impressive 18-7 assist to turnover ratio. McCray led the team in assists followed by five from Zach Bell and four from Jakari Spence. 

Jacksonville finished with just seven turnovers to FGCU's 15. What spelled doom for the home team was shooting 50% from the free throw line (8-16) and four missed late free throws to keep FGCU at bay.

Stephon Payne III added 12 points and eight rebounds down low for the Dolphins. Bell also hit double-digits, contributing 12 points on 5-8 shooting.

Spence led the team with three steals. Nwokeji and Payne tied for the team lead in blocks with two each.

GAME NOTES

• The Dolphins made over half of their attempts from three point range, knocking down nine of 16 shots.
• The Dolphins were active in affecting shots on the defensive end, tallying six blocks as a team.
• Jacksonville cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 12 offensive boards in the game.
• JU's 24-point blown lead was the team's second blown lead of 15 or more points this season.
• FGCU won the rebounding battle 33-25.

 
NEXT UP
Jacksonville will look to rebound in a big way Saturday as the 'Phins take on rival UNF in the first edition of the River City Rumble. Tipoff on Saturday, Feb. 1 inside Swisher Gymnasium is set for 6 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.

Tickets are sold out for the contest.