PENSACOLA, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Pensacola State men’s basketball team looks to continue its strong start when it visits Indian River State in a junior college non-conference matchup Saturday.

The Pirates (9-3) enter on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating Miami Dade 68-56 on Friday. Standout forward Deven Bates powered that victory with 23 points and 12 rebounds, continuing a dominant stretch. Over his last five games, Bates is averaging 22.2 points and 9.2 rebounds, including a 28-point, 10-rebound performance in a win over Coastal Alabama on Dec. 4.

Pensacola State’s offense has found rhythm, scoring 68 or more points in four of its last five contests. Support for Bates has come from players like Ethan McDonald, who scored 16 points against Miami Dade, and Malick Sene, who grabbed 13 rebounds in the same game.

Indian River State (4-4) seeks consistency after a 97-85 loss at Tallahassee State on Dec. 7. The Pioneers are led by forward Tamiel Green, who posted a massive double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds in that defeat. Green has been a force inside, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds over his last two full games.

The Pioneers’ season has been marked by offensive explosions, scoring 106, 89, and 94 points in three of their wins, but defensive lapses have led to four losses where opponents averaged 90.5 points.

Saturday’s game pits Pensacola State’s momentum against an Indian River State team capable of high-scoring performances at home. Containing Bates will be the primary challenge for the Pioneers, while the Pirates must account for Green’s interior presence and the Pioneers’ potent home offense.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, in Fort Pierce, Florida. Following this game, Pensacola State breaks until hosting Calhoun on Dec. 30, while Indian River State resumes play Jan. 10 against Miami Dade.