College Basketball Scores: FGCU, Bethune-Cookman victorious Thursday

Here's a recap of Thursday night's college basketball action in the state of Florida:

Florida Gulf Coast 86, Ave Maria 54

FGCU moved to 2-1 on the season with a dominant 86-54 victory over Ave Maria. The Eagles shot 54.5 percent from the field and a scorching 57.9 percent from three-point land, while holding the Gyrenes to 30.8 percent shooting. Christophe Varidel came off the bench to lead the Eagles with 17 points and seven rebounds on 4-of-8 shooting. Ave Maria's Matt Chattin was the only Gyrene in double figures with 10 points.

Bethune-Cookman 71, New Orleans 65

Bethune-Cookman rallied from a 12-point second-half deficit to stun New Orleans, 71-65. Trailing 58-46 with 6:18 left, the Wildcats went on a 14-0 run over the next 3:09. The Privateers briefly retook the lead, but the Wildcats closed strong to grab the victory. Bethune-Cookman was led by Adrien Coleman's 20 points and 10 rebounds, while three other Wildcats scored in double figures. The Wildcats are now 1-2 on the young season. Lovell Cook had 18 points to lead New Orleans.