Preview: Eastern Florida State Titans at Polk State Eagles

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Eastern Florida State team will look to continue its dominance over a struggling Polk State squad when the men’s junior college basketball rivals meet Monday night.

The Titans (18-6) enter on a seven-game winning streak, including a 99-75 victory over Indian River State last Wednesday. They have not lost since Jan. 14. The Eagles (2-18), meanwhile, have lost 12 consecutive games. Their last win was on Jan. 10.

Eastern Florida State defeated Polk State 87-80 in their first meeting this season on Jan. 31 in Melbourne.

A key matchup will feature Eastern Florida State’s high-scoring Sean Register Jr. against a Polk State defense that has allowed 90 or more points in five of its last 10 games. Register is averaging 29 points and 8.2 rebounds over his last five contests. He scored 29 points in the Jan. 31 win over the Eagles.

For Polk State, guard Tre Jackson will look to provide a spark. He played 22 minutes and recorded three rebounds and two assists in a loss to Florida Southwestern State on Feb. 7, but has seen only one minute of action in each of the Eagles’ last three games.

The Titans’ recent success has been fueled by balanced scoring. In their last outing, Joviel Acevedo-Arroyo added 19 points and seven rebounds alongside Register, while Tyson Wilson chipped in 11 points and six rebounds.

Polk State has shown flashes of competitiveness during its skid, including a narrow 85-83 loss to Miami Dade on Feb. 25. The Eagles held a halftime lead in that game before falling short.

Despite the stark contrast in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a dead-even final score of 100-100, suggesting the potential for a closer game than the standings indicate.

Tipoff is set for Monday night at Polk State College.