FORT MYERS, Fla.- The Florida SouthWestern State Buccaneers battled the #24 Eastern Florida State Titans to the wire Saturday afternoon in their Citrus Conference opener, but came up just short, dropping a 74-68 decision to fall to 6-7 on the year. 

 

The Bucs got off to a slow start, falling behind the Titans 6-0 after 3:30 minutes of action. Breno Silva jump started FSW, scoring the next five points for the Bucs, but a 4-0 answer for Eastern Florida put the Titans back ahead 10-5 as the first half ticked under 13:00 to go. The Bucs got back into the game and a pair of Eugene Alvin free throws gave them their first lead of the game at 15-14 midway through the half, but it was short-lived as Eastern pushed back ahead and took a 27-21 lead with 6:18 to go in the period. Down four moments later, K'jei Parker nailed a three to get FSW back to within one and Jafeth Martinez scored on an offensive rebound to put FSW back in front 34-33 with 2:53 to go in the half. The teams traded baskets to a 36-34 FSW lead with 2:02 to go in the half, but Eastern Florida poured in nine quick points to erase the Bucs lead and take a 43-36 advantage into the break. 

 

Eastern Florida got the first four points out of the break to take their first double digit lead of the game, but the Bucs fought back, drawing to within four at 49-45 with 16:01 to go after a three from Chol Machot. FSW continued their push, tying the score at 57 with 9:02 remaining and moments later a three from Parker put the Bucs ahead 62-59. The Bucs carried a three point advantage under the 3:00 mark but couldn't hold it as Eastern took the lead on a jumper with 2:06 to go and never looked back, going on to win 74-68. 

 

Parker led the Bucs with 21 in the loss while Machot added 13 points and 6 rebounds. 

 

FSW drops their third straight to fall to 6-7 overall and 0-1 in Citrus Conference play while Eastern Florida improves to 12-2 overall and 1-0 in league play. 

 

The Bucs will have a week off to regroup before taking the court again next Saturday on the road in Tampa when they dual with Hillsborough in a 4 PM tip.