How it Happened: Indiana dominates FGCU 82-64 to begin Feast Week

In its first of three games down in Fort Myers, Florida, Indiana was able to dominate Florida Gulf Coast 82-64.

The Hoosiers improved to 6-0 with the win, while FGCU dropped to 1-3 after losing on its home floor to Teri Moren’s group. It marks the best start for IU since 2022-23, as it keeps stacking wins during nonconference play.

This time, it used a bounce-back second quarter and dominant third quarter to get it done, as both sides of the ball really shined after a slow start to the game.

Indiana shot 31 of 62 from the floor and made 10 of 18 shots from 3-point range. FGCU was held to 20 of 48 from the field and went 4 of 16 from deep.

Leading scorers for the Hoosiers were Shay Ciezki with 26 and Lenee Beaumont with 23, as the two combined for more than half of Indiana’s points against the Eagles.

Following the win, Indiana will compete in the Coconut Hoops Tournament in Fort Myers, facing Gonzaga on Friday before a second TBD matchup on Sunday.

But before we move past Tuesday’s impressive performance, here’s how it happened against FGCU:

After slow start, Hoosiers bounce back

Following a slow start, Indiana’s second quarter allowed for a halftime lead, as the Hoosiers got back on track with an impressive showing on the offensive side of the ball.

Turnovers were a huge issue early on, with Indiana totaling six giveaways in the first quarter, but it turned it around and had just two in the second.

IU shot 9 of 14 from the floor and went 3 of 6 from 3-point range in the second, which was a vast improvement over the 5 of 12 mark seen in the first quarter. Ball movement was much better, and the Hoosiers appeared to be in a solid rhythm in the second period.

It led to a 16-3 run that put Indiana in front, as throughout the second quarter, the Hoosiers were dominant. FGCU didn’t go away completely when IU was making its run, but it was clear that when both teams were at their best, Indiana had the edge.

And all it took was a spark on offense. With improved ball movement and limited turnovers, the shooting followed and more points were put up on the board. Obviously Ciezki and Beaumont were key, but it took the entire team to contribute to offensive cohesion, which has been a theme all season long.

The second half would ultimately decide who won the ballgame, but a key second quarter after a frustrating start allowed Indiana to build a halftime advantage.

Indiana impresses after halftime

Indiana wouldn’t stop after the half, as the third quarter featured more impressive offense, particularly out in transition and from beyond the arc.

That’s Indiana’s bread and butter, and it executed its offensive game plan perfectly. Defense led to runouts, which led to a ton of points for the Hoosiers. IU outscored FGCU 28-10 in the third quarter, as Ciezki and Beaumont continued to be great on the offensive end.

Beaumont was particularly sensational, as she scored 11 points on 4 of 4 shooting, including a 3-of-3 mark from deep. When she was open, she took full advantage and allowed the Hoosiers to get out to such a large lead in a single quarter.

Indiana shot 10 of 14 in the third and made 4 of 5 shots from 3-point range, but it wasn’t just offense getting it done. The Hoosiers’ defense forced seven turnovers out of FGCU, which was three more than the number of field goals the Eagles made in the quarter.

With how well both sides of the ball were operating, it’s no surprise that Indiana had separate runs of 14-2 and 13-1. This allowed Indiana to cruise in the fourth quarter.

Beaumont, Ciezki dominate once again

For the third straight game, both Beaumont and Ciezki combined for 35 or more points, but this time they went way past that, totaling 49 between the two guards. Ciezki led with 26, while Beaumont’s 23 were mainly featured during the key third quarter.

They’ve really come into their own as one of the most dynamic duos in the country, and it’s been on full display these last three matchups, beginning at Florida State and then vs. Butler last Wednesday. It feels like they’re getting better with each game, and Tuesday afternoon at FGCU was no different.

Beaumont tied a career high in points, while Ciezki was the leader of the team throughout their impressive runs in the second and third quarters.

Ciezki shot 9 of 15 for the ballgame, while Beaumont shot 9 of 12, including a perfect 5 of 5 mark from 3-point range. With Ciezki’s playmaking ability and Beaumont’s shot-making skill, the two have been vital during Indiana’s 6-0 start, with the blowout win over FGCU being no exception.

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