DAYTONA STATE FALCONS (8-3) vs. HAGERSTOWN HAWKS (1-5)

MONROE HOLIDAY CLASSIC PREVIEW

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (Interstat) — A surging Daytona State squad meets a struggling Hagerstown team in a men’s junior college basketball matchup Saturday at the Monroe Holiday Classic.

The Falcons (8-3) enter on a high note, coming off a 73-62 victory over Monroe on Friday. Daytona State has won four of its last five games. The Hawks (1-5) look to halt a four-game skid, most recently an 81-72 home loss to Allegany (Md.) on Wednesday.

Daytona State’s offense is fueled by guard Alex Harper, who scored 22 points in 24 minutes in Friday’s win. Over his last four active games, Harper is averaging 15.8 points. He will be supported by Seydina N’Diaye, who had 11 points and four blocks against Monroe, and playmaker Tyrese Lacey, who dished 14 assists in that contest.

Hagerstown will rely on forward Najeh Allen, its most consistent performer during the losing streak. Allen is averaging 13.4 points and 5.5 rebounds over his last five games, including a 22-point, 7-rebound effort in a close loss to Cochise on Nov. 20. The Hawks will need a similar performance and improved team defense; they have allowed an average of 68.2 points during their four consecutive defeats.

Despite the stark contrast in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a narrow, high-scoring affair, predicting a 100-100 final score.

The game tips off at 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, Dec. 13, as part of the classic tournament. For Daytona State, it is the final game before a holiday break. The Falcons resume play Jan. 3 against Eastern Florida State. Hagerstown returns to action quickly, facing host Monroe on Sunday.