Polk State Aims to Halt Skid Against Hot Florida Southwestern State

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (Interstat) — A stark contrast in trajectories will be on display Wednesday when the surging Florida Southwestern State Buccaneers visit the struggling Polk State Eagles in a men’s junior college basketball matchup.

The Buccaneers (8-3) enter on a three-game winning streak, most recently a 78-59 victory over Gordon State on Dec. 16. Their balanced attack was led in that game by Amont’e Allen-Johnson (16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists), Mason Blazer (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Trey Fogle (15 points). Florida Southwestern has averaged 78.6 points per game during its current run.

Conversely, Polk State (1-7) looks to snap a six-game losing streak. The Eagles fell 83-78 to Santa Fe on Jan. 3 despite a standout performance from Ethan Simon. The player to watch posted a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds in that contest. Teammate Eric Dailey added 23 points.

The Eagles’ defense has been a season-long concern, allowing an average of 81.6 points per game. They will face a Buccaneers squad that has scored 82 or more points in four of its eight wins.

This game opens a critical stretch for both teams in conference play. Florida Southwestern State will host Hillsborough on Saturday. Polk State, seeking its first win since Nov. 1, travels to Daytona State on Jan. 14.

Wednesday’s tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Polk State’s home court in Winter Haven.