FORT MYERS, Fla. - NCF Men's Basketball fell 96-60 on the road at NCAA DI Floirda Gulf Coast Monday in a contest that will count as an exhibition for the Mighty Banyans but does count as a win for the Eagles in its season opener.

The Mighty Banyans opened the game on a 14-9 run as Diego Eslava and Mojo Chisler hit early threes but FGCU's size began to give the Mighty Banyans fits as the Eagles won the first half rebound battle and after the 14-9 run from NCF, outscored the Mighty Banyans 35-15 the remainder of the opening 20 minutes to take a 44-29 lead into halftime.

FGCU would carry its momentum in the second half, outscoring the Mighty Banyans 52-31 to run away with the 36-point victory in its season opener.

Eslava led the Mighty Banyans with 14 points and six rebounds, Adrian Moore posted a team-high three assists, forward Caden Dewey blocked a team-high two shots, while Bennett Edwards and Alex Excelent both posted a steal.


NCF will resume regular season play Saturday at Florida College. Tip-off in Temple Terrace is scheduled for 4 p.m. EST.