FGCU's first-year head coach Raina Harmon earns statement win over Stanford

In just her fifth game as a Division I head coach, FGCU’s Raina Harmon guided the Eagles to a statement win: a 66–62 upset over previously undefeated Stanford on Friday night.

FGCU is a program with a history of taking down Power 5 programs, but as Harmon reminded her group pregame, there was still a barrier no FGCU team had ever broken.

“I said, ‘Hey guys, we have an opportunity to do something that no other person that’s worn an FGCU uniform has had the opportunity to do – and that’s to beat Stanford,’” Harmon told On3. “And they did.”

The win came against a Cardinal team that entered the night 7–0 and received votes in the AP Poll. It’s also a signature moment for Harmon’s brand-new roster, which has navigated an extremely tough non-conference schedule early on.

“I’m just proud of the group,” Harmon said. “We’ve been getting better every single game. I challenged them to put together 40 minutes, and really just take care of that third quarter. I think that’s what really won it for us, scoring 26 points there.”

FGCU’s growth was most evident in late-game composure, an area that had cost them earlier this season in close third-quarter swings against Indiana and George Mason. Harmon saw a different level of poise on Friday.

“Just their togetherness…,” she said. “Every dead ball they’re in the huddle, point guard looking at me for the next play. They’re starting to grow as basketball players and as a team.”

Defensively, the Eagles executed a disciplined game plan focused on limiting Stanford’s perimeter threats, holding the Cardinal to 19% from three.

“We challenged them to be a team that holds people under 25% from three,” Harmon said. “We knew some players were going to get theirs…but if we could slow everyone else, we’d have a shot.”

Depth is a factor that Harmon feels confident about with this group. 

“Even if it’s not your turn, be ready to cheer on your teammates,” she said. “We can go really deep this year with this team.”

This win gives FGCU plenty of momentum as they continue a strong non-conference push. 

“All of our goals are still intact and in front of us…,” Harmon said. “When we stick together and run our stuff and stay within our roles, we can be really, really good.”