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November 10, 2024

FSCJ Wins Veterans Classic at Indian River State, Knocking Off Two Division-I Foes

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 Fort Pierce, FL----The #22 Florida State College at Jacksonville Men's Basketball Team (4-0) traveled to Fort Pierce, Florida on Thursday for the weekend's Veterans Classic to face Miami Dade College Friday and then the hosts of Indian River State College Saturday.

FSCJ vs Miami Dade College at Indian River State College

First up was the Sharks of Miami Dade (2-1). It was a low-scoring affair early and neck-and-neck midway through the first half until FSCJ went on a 25-8 run to end the first half and led 37-24 at the break. The lead never shrank below double digits the rest of the way thanks to 22- and 20-point performances from sophomore guards Aiden Fletcher and Eddie Mitchell, respectively. The pair combined to shoot 10 of 14 from 3PT range. A near double-double from sophomore Jordan Smith with 10 points and 9 rebounds helped the effort for the Manta Rays to beat the Sharks on the boards 37-22. Every player scored for FSCJ as they beat the sharks 86-46.

"We came out ready to play, and it seemed like every shot was falling for us," said Mitchell. "It wasn't just offensively though. Our defense was locked-in, and we know we have to bring it on that end every game just in case we're struggling offensively."

FSCJ at Indian River State College

Less than 24 hours later, FSCJ was tipping-off again for its second NJCAA Division-I opponent in as many days. Next up was the Pioneers of hosts Indian River State College (4-1). The speed and athleticism of Indian River kept it close early, but it was a game FSCJ trailed only once—at 21-20 with 10-minutes gone in the first half. The Manta Rays went on to outscore the Pioneers 75-45 in the final 30-minutes of the contest and win the Veterans Classic 95-64.

One rebound shy of a double-double vs Miami Dade the previous night, Jordan Smith made up for it with a monster 27-points and 11-rebounds vs Indian River to lead all scorers and rebounders. Sophomore Alex McCray contributed 22-points as well, while keeping his teammates involved and dishing out 7 assists.

"I am proud of the way our team came together this weekend—on and off the court," said Head Coach John Putyrski after the two convincing performances. "We were up against challenging opponents, and we really showed them and the rest of the region the talent we have and what we're capable of now and going forward."  

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