Polk State, Santa Fe Set for Junior College Men’s Basketball Rematch

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Santa Fe Saints will look to complete a regular-season sweep and continue their winning ways when they host the struggling Polk State Eagles in a men’s junior college basketball game Wednesday.

The Saints (7-5) enter the matchup at home following a 90-87 victory over Indian River State on Jan. 28. In that win, guard Joel Harrison was highly efficient, scoring 20 points and dishing five assists in just one minute of play, highlighting a potent Santa Fe offense.

Polk State (1-13) seeks to end a 10-game losing streak that dates to Dec. 31. The Eagles are coming off an 87-80 road loss to Eastern Florida State on Saturday, a game in which guard Isaiah McCray scored 21 points. McCray has been a bright spot, averaging 15 points over his last three games with significant minutes.

This contest is a quick rematch of a Jan. 3 meeting in Winter Haven, which Santa Fe won 83-78. In that game, the Saints held off a late Polk State rally.

The Saints have shown consistency at home this season, while the Eagles have yet to win on the road. Polk State’s defense, allowing an average of 84.5 points per game, will be tested by a Santa Fe team that has scored 80 or more points in four of its last six outings.

For Polk State, support for McCray will be crucial. Josh Pitts (18 points) and Braylin Wells (11 rebounds) contributed in the last game, but the Eagles need sustained production to compete.

Santa Fe’s Harrison leads a balanced attack that includes Cornelius White and Harvey Wilson, who nearly posted a triple-double (9 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) in the last victory.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday night at Santa Fe College.