FORT MYERS, Fla. - The New College men's basketball team were outmatched in their exhibition against Division I Florida Gulf Coast

The Mighty Banyans got their first Division I experience with Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles are a high level program, with multiple conference titles and tournament appearances in recent history. In 2013, the Eagles put themselves on the map with a Cinderella run to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, where they fell to Florida 62-50. The Banyans had a great opportunity to test their young team against a great program, and they came into the game with a ton of energy.

The Eagles were rolling early, knocking down their first two three point shots and taking an 8-0 lead. 

Jordan Clark knocked down a corner three for the first NCF basket of the game.

Shawn Lefresne scored back-to-back buckets to give the Banyans some momentum. 

The Eagle offense continued to knock down shots, jumping out to a 15-8 lead. 

Jack Scott scored a turnaround jump shot at the top of the key to bring the Banyans to double digits.

New College of Florida's defense struggled through the first 10 minutes, allowing Florida Gulf Coast extend their lead to 13.

The Eagles offense continued to put pressure on the rim, shooting an impressive 59% from the field on their way to a 46-27 lead heading into the break.

Jordan Clark controlled the ball for the Banyans, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the first half. 

The Banyan's started off slow in the second half. The team converted on just 37.9% of their shots from the field, and allowed 38 points in the paint at the 7:52 mark. The offense continued to struggle up until the four minute mark, when Adonis Caneris knocked down a three to complete a three-minute stretch of fantastic play from the Banyans. 

The Banyans defense improved in the second half, but the Eagle's offense was too much, resulting in Florida Gulf Coast defeating New College 87-54. 

NCF is back in action on Thursday, Dec. 2, at  11 a.m. against Truitt McConnell University.