Preview: Florida Atlantic Owls at Florida Gulf Coast Eagles FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — Two in-state men’s basketball programs with identical ambitions to build winning momentum will meet Sunday when the Florida Atlantic Owls visit the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at Alico Arena. Both teams enter the non-conference matchup with 5-win records, though their recent paths have diverged. Florida Atlantic (5-3) looks to snap a two-game skid after narrow losses to George Mason and Saint Bonaventure. Florida Gulf Coast (5-4) aims to rebound from a high-scoring road loss at Florida International on Wednesday. The game features a compelling backcourt duel. Florida Atlantic’s Devin Vanterpool has been a consistent offensive force, scoring in double figures in every game this season. The guard is averaging 17.4 points per game and is coming off a 17-point effort in the loss to Saint Bonaventure. He will be matched by Florida Gulf Coast’s dynamic playmaker, Rahmir Barno. The Eagles’ guard is a potent distributor, dishing out 13 assists in his last outing against FIU. Over his past five games, Barno has averaged 16.2 points and 8.0 assists, serving as the engine for an FGCU offense that has topped 90 points four times this season. The Owls will rely on Vanterpool and supplemental scoring from players like Amar Amkou, who had 12 points off the bench last Sunday. Florida Atlantic’s defense, which allowed just 59 points to Pacific in a November win, will be tested by FGCU’s up-tempo attack. For the Eagles, consistency is key. They have shown a high ceiling in wins but have suffered several close losses, including an overtime defeat to Kennesaw State and a one-point loss to Georgia Southern. Protecting home court at Alico Arena, where they are 4-2 this season, is a priority before a challenging road stretch. Sunday’s contest is the final tune-up for both teams before significant upcoming games. Florida Atlantic hosts Albany next Saturday, while Florida Gulf Coast travels to New Mexico. Tip-off is set for Sunday afternoon.