FORT PIERCE, Fla.- The Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers won their fifth straight game Wednesday night, shaking off a slow start for an 84-63 win over Indian River to set up a battle for first place in the Citrus Conference standings Saturday afternoon when the Bucs take on Daytona State in Suncoast Credit Union Arena. 

 

Points were at a premium early on for both sides as the game was tied at 8 six minutes in. Indian River pushed in front, but the Bucs responded with a 7-0 run, highlighted by a three point play from Jafeth Martinez to put FSW back in front 16-14 with 8:00 remaining in the half. Things picked up from there for both sides as K'jei Parker knocked down a three to put the Bucs up 10 with 4:12 left on the clock and at the half, it was FSW up a dozen, 39-27. 

 

The Bucs extended their lead early in the second as Eugene Alvin pulled down an offensive rebound and stuck it back in to make it 46-31 with 16:49 to go. FSW continued to keep their distance from the Pioneers through the middle of the period, leading 60-47 midway through.  Indian River made one last push to make it a game, but a Breno Silva three put a nail in it for the Bucs as FSW went up 71-54 before closing the Pioneers out 84-63. 

 

The Bucs shot a blistering 52% from the field and 48% from the three point line in the win.  Four players scored in double figures for FSW led by Parker who filled up the stat sheet with 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Alvin was 6-8 from the field and finished a rebound shy of a double-double with 17 points and 9 rebounds while Jeremy Innocent added 15 and Martinez 13. 

 

The Bucs win their fifth straight to improve to 12-6 overall while remaining one game back for the top spot in the Citrus Conference with a 5-1 mark. Indian River's woes continue as they fall to 7-14 overall and remain winless in conference action at 0-7. 

 

The Bucs win sets up a marquee matchup on Saturday in Suncoast Arena as FSW hosts #4 Daytona State in a battle for first place in the Citrus Conference standings. The Bucs and Falcons will go head to head on the back end of a women's and men's doubleheader with tip off set for game two at 4:00 PM.