Men's basketball team loses conference opener

The Eastern Florida State College lost their Central Conference opener Saturday afternoon at Titan Field House.

The Titans got off to a quick start but a couple of key runs by Polk State College was too much for the Titans as the Eagles defeated the Titans 74-56.

Rron Ukaj, Brody Boyer and Brandon Garcia all hit 3-pointers in the first five minutes of the contest as the Titans jumped out to an early lead. But Polk State College would go on a 16-2 run to lead most of the first half.

Down nine at halftime, Boyer once again hit a big 3-pointer to cut the lead to four points seven minutes into the second half. The Titans could not break through and with seven minutes left Polk State made the final run that would decide the game, an 18-5 run over five minutes.

"We came out on the wrong end against an outstanding team today. All credit goes to Polk," Eastern Florida State College men's basketball coach Jeremy Shulman said. "I love this team and we will bounce back."

Boyer led the Titans attack with 20 points while Polk State was led by Eric Butler had 19 points and Keenon Cole added 18 points. Tommie Lewis finished with 15 points and Freddie Word added 14 in the win.

Eastern Florida State College will be back at Titan Field House Wednesday night when No. 24 Santa Fe will visit for a Central Conference game. The men's game will follow the women's basketball game which begins at 5:30 p.m.