Men's basketball team falls to Florida Southwestern

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team lost for the first time in four games Saturday night at the JUCO Shootout at Titan Field House on the Melbourne campus.

The Titans lost to Florida Southwestern in the final game of the day, 82-61.

Late in the first half, Florida Southwestern took an 11-point lead at 32-21 but the Titans responded with an 11-0 run to tie the game 32-32. Eastern Florida State College would head into the locker room down one, 36-35.

Caleb Byrd hit two free throws to give the Titans a 38-36 lead, but the Bucs would go on a run of their own, this one a 17-0 run to take a commanding lead. From there Florida Southwestern would continue to keep the lead in double digits throughout the second half.

The win was the seven straight for the Bucs who are now 8-3 on the season. Bradley Douglas had 20 points while Tyson Brown finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Eastern Florida State College's Caleb Byrd finished with 16 points while Eric Parnell had 14 points and six rebounds.

The Titans will play Tallahassee Community College in the final game of the JUCO Shootout, Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

Florida Southwestern will play No. 3 Chipola College who defeated St. Petersburg College 87-65 behind the duo of Derrick Butler and Jerald Colonel who each had 17 points in the win.

Indian River State College will open Day 2 against Polk State College at noon on Sunday. Indian River State College lost to Tallahassee Community College 82-75. The Pioneers were led by Jaden Azomo had 19 points in the loss which snapped a six-game winning streak. Polk State College lost to Miami Dade College 75-52.

Miami Dade, who had five players score in double figures against Polk State College, will play St. Petersburg College at 5 p.m.  

Admission is $10 at the door and only cash is being accepted at the door.