Men's basketball team opens FCSAA Championships Wednesday against Daytona State

The Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team is back in Niceville for the FCSAA Division I Championship for the 13th straight season.

The Titans will play Daytona State College in the quarterfinals in a matchup of two of the top scoring teams in the FCSAA. Eastern Florida State College is the No. 6 seed and have won nine of the past 10 games heading into the tournament while Daytona State College comes into the tournament as the No. 3 seed and are 8-2 in the past 10 games.

"We are playing really well, had won 10 in a row and then had that road loss. I think it gave us a jolt that was good for us heading into the postseason," Eastern Florida State College men's basketball coach Zach Ferrell said. "Really excited to take that momentum into postseason play."

It will be the third meeting of the season as the two teams split the series this season with each team winning at home and the Falcons were one game ahead in the standings as they finished 13-3 and the Titans were 12-4.

 The last meeting was a good game as the Titans went on a late run to take the lead by Daytona State College's Tyrese Lacy hit a 3-pointer to send it to overtime. Eastern Florida State College would win the game in overtime as Sean Register Jr. had 30 points and 14 rebounds.

"It's good to get on the floor, good to get the guys out and shooting on these rims. Last one before it's do or die. Think the guys are ready," Ferrell said. "I think everybody is really excited to get another crack at it. A familiar opponent but also one of the best in the country so I think our guys will be ready for the challenge."

Register Jr., who will be honored before the game for being named to the All-FCSAA Team, leads the state in scoring this season, averaging 24.8 points per game in 30 games this season. Teammates Misael Cruz Rodriguez and Joviel Acevedo-Arroyo are both averaging 12.7 points per game.

Daytona State College duo of Noah Mendy and Lacey lead a Falcons team that is averaging 91 points per game. Mendy leads the team, averaging 17.7 points per game while Lacey is averaging 12.9 points and 7.4 assists per game. Lacey has 214 assists this season which leads the FCSAA. 

It will be the first time the two teams have met in the state tournament since 2023 and just the third meeting overall with the Titans winning both of those matchups.

Wednesday's quarterfinals game will begin at 4 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. Fans can watch the game live online by clicking here. Tickets are $15 per day or $40 for the tournament and can be purchased at the Raider Arena Box Office.