Preview: Polk State at Chipola in Men’s Junior College Basketball

MARIANNA, Fla. (Interstat) — The surging Chipola College Indians look to extend their winning streak when they host the Polk State Eagles in a men’s junior college basketball game Saturday.

Chipola (8-2) enters on a five-game win streak following a 73-67 victory over Daytona State on Friday. The Indians have shown resilience, with four of their last five wins coming by six points or fewer.

A key catalyst has been guard Demarco Middleton. Over his last four significant outings, he is averaging 17.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. He posted 14 points, four rebounds and four assists in Friday’s win.

Polk State (1-1) presents a contrasting schedule profile, having played only two games this season. The Eagles are coming off a dominant 89-63 road win at Wake Tech on Nov. 1, where Isaiah McCray (24 points), Eric Dailey (16 points, 7 assists) and Josh Pitts (20 points, 6 assists) led a high-scoring effort. Their season opener was a 134-127 double-overtime loss to USC Salkehatchie.

The matchup pits Chipola’s established rhythm against a Polk State squad still defining its early-season identity. The Indians’ defense, which has held opponents to 70 points or fewer in three of the last five games, will be tested by a Polk offense that scored 89 in its last outing.

This game is the first of two meetings between the teams this season. They are scheduled to play again in Marianna on Dec. 31.

For Chipola, this begins a stretch of three home games in December. Polk State faces a quick turnaround, traveling to face Northwest Florida State on Sunday.

Saturday’s tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at the Milton H. Johnson Health Center.