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Trent Mackey and Romelo Banks can do nothing but watch as the Eagles pulled away in the second half. Photo by Connor Spielmaker

While the Ospreys won’t be the A-Sun Champion after a 56-89 defeat against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles, the season is not over.

Despite the March 3 loss at home, the Ospreys still have a chance to play in the Big Dance. Stetson, who beat Lipscomb 96-75 to advance to the Championship, is banned from post-season play after failing to meet the NCAA’s academic progress rate. Should the Hatters’ win Sunday, the Ospreys will receive the A-Sun tournament bid in place of them. If the Hatters lose, sending FGCU to the March NCAA tournament, the Ospreys will still play in the National Invitation Tournament since they were the regular season champions. The season continues either way.

.@OspreyMBB (22-11) season not over as UNF can reach NCAA Tourney w/ Stetson win vs FGCU. W/ FGCU win, Ospreys will head to NIT.

— Patrick McCoy (@Trick_McCoy) March 4, 2016

The Ospreys took a nine-point lead early in the first half, but stellar shooting by the Eagles sent them roaring back and propelled them to victory Thursday night.

The Ospreys never got hot from three, shooting only 25.8%. Trent Mackey and Nick Malonga had zero points.

FGCU out-rebounded the Ospreys 24-49, helping them take a 31-point lead in the second.

Eagle Marc-Eddy Norelia had a double-double, scoring 23 points and pulling in 12 rebounds.

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