Basketball Game Preview: Lehigh Lightning vs. Fort Myers Green Wave

Lehigh is 2-8 against Fort Myers since February of 2018 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The two teams will face off at 6:30 p.m. without much rest, having both just played. Both come into the game bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Lehigh took a loss when they played away from home two weeks ago, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Thursday. They breezed past Ida Baker to the tune of 55-17. The Lightning not only won on Thursday, but they posted their biggest win since December 10, 2024 (when they won 75-10).

Meanwhile, it may have taken overtime to finish the job, but Fort Myers ultimately got the result they hoped for on Thursday. They secured a 37-32 W over Mariner. The win continues a trend for the Green Wave in their matchups with the Tritons: they've now won seven in a row.

Lehigh better focus on containing Taylor Hargrove and Juliya Smith as the pair were huge in Fort Myers' win. Hargrove posted ten points and three blocks, while Smith put up eight points in addition to 11 rebounds and six blocks. Those three blocks gave Hargrove a new career-high. Kayden Smutney was another key player, putting up seven points.

Fort Myers now has a winning record of 3-2. As for Lehigh, the victory got them back to even at 1-1.

Lehigh came up short against Fort Myers in their previous meeting back in January, falling 34-27. Will the Lightning have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.