FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 29, 2026) – The University of North Alabama men's basketball team returned to competition for the first time in eight days, falling to FGCU by a 72-64 final in Atlantic Sun Conference action from Alico Arena in Florida.
UNA (6-13, 1-7 ASUN) played a competitive first half with three lead changes, staying within one or two possessions despite trailing most of the frame. The second half took a sharp turn the wrong way, as the lead got away.
Coming off back-to-back road losses, FGCU (9-13, 3-6 ASUN) got back in the win column behind a stellar shooting night behind the arc. The Eagles finished 12-31 from downtown while limiting UNA to just 3-15 from three. The Lions kept pace for a bit by shooting over 40 percent and by making 17 free throws.
FGCU took its first double digit lead of the game two minutes into the second half and led by as many as 21 points. However, UNA ended the game with an 15-2 run over the last six minutes to keep the Eagles stuck at 72, but the lead was too insurmountable.
The Lions had all three of its top scorers leading the way tonight, including 21 points from senior Donte Bacchus and 14 from redshirt junior Corneilous Williams — including 10 in the first half. Bacchus went 7-13 from the floor and 7-11 from the line. He was one point shy of his career high set earlier this season against Stetson.
Williams had 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season. This is only the third time this season UNA has lost with a Williams double-double. He is one of just 36 players in Division I with eight or more double-doubles this season.
Junior guard Canin Jefferson added 15 points on 6-10 shooting. Sophomore guard Kevin de Kovachich set a new career-high with four steals to go with his five points.
Jordan Ellerbee led FGCU with 18 points.
Due to the winter storms this past weekend, UNA did not play its regularly scheduled game against Central Arkansas on Saturday. That game was moved to Feb. 9. Before tonight, the last time UNA played was last Wednesday at Queens.
Coming up Saturday, UNA continues a five game road stretch with a short trip from Fort Myers over to Stetson. The game is set to begin at 1 p.m. CT.
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
