WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University men's basketball team continued its strong start to the season, defeating the University of Fort Lauderdale 73-65 on Thursday evening. Behind a game-high 24 points from Trayvon Barbary and a strong defensive performance, the Phoenix improved to 2-0 on the season. Florida Poly built a lead as large as 24 points in the second half before holding off a late comeback attempt by the Eagles to secure the victory.
Florida Poly established control early in the first half, using an aggressive defensive approach and efficient scoring opportunities to build momentum. After a back-and-forth opening few minutes, Christopher Davis converted consecutive layups before Barbary knocked down a three-pointer to extend the Phoenix advantage to 13-5 with 13:22 remaining. Barbary continued to lead the offensive attack, adding another layup and two free throws as Florida Poly maintained its advantage. Micah Jones provided a spark off the bench, converting a layup and completing a three-point play to push the lead to 24-14. Marouf Moumine contributed four points late in the half, while Barbary connected on another three-pointer with 1:43 remaining. Florida Poly entered halftime holding a 32-21 advantage, limiting Fort Lauderdale to just seven made field goals in the opening 20 minutes.
The Phoenix carried that momentum into the second half, opening with a dominant offensive stretch that extended their lead. Barbary immediately connected on a three-pointer before adding a layup, while Zoé Holman scored on consecutive possessions with a layup and a dunk to give Florida Poly a 41-21 advantage. Demetrius Robinson contributed multiple baskets in the paint, and Davis continued to provide scoring around the rim. The Phoenix eventually pushed their advantage to 24 points following a three-pointer from Moumine with 13:50 remaining, making the score 52-28. Florida Poly's ability to attack the basket and capitalize on second-chance opportunities helped maintain its commanding lead.
Fort Lauderdale responded with an offensive surge midway through the second half, gradually cutting into the Phoenix advantage. Demarcus Forbes helped ignite the comeback with perimeter shooting, while Jagger Ruiz and Kahari Rodgers contributed key baskets. The Eagles scored 10 consecutive points after Florida Poly extended its lead to 54-30, trimming the deficit to 54-40 with 7:52 remaining. Florida Poly answered with free throws from Barbary and Jones, but Fort Lauderdale continued to apply pressure. The Eagles eventually pulled within five points at 69-64 with 19 seconds remaining before Ruiz converted a free throw to make it 69-65. However, Pierson Alexander and Davis combined to make four free throws in the closing seconds, allowing the Phoenix to secure the 73-65 victory.
Barbary delivered an outstanding all-around performance for Florida Poly, finishing with a game-high 24 points, nine rebounds, and two assists. He shot 8-of-15 from the field, including three three-pointers, and converted five of his six free-throw attempts. Davis added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Moumine contributed nine points on 3-of-4 shooting. Holman provided a significant defensive presence, recording eight points, six steals, five assists, and four rebounds. Robinson finished with seven points, six rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Jones added seven points and two assists off the bench.
As a team, Florida Poly shot 42.9 percent from the field and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line, converting 21 of its 27 attempts. The Phoenix controlled the interior, outscoring Fort Lauderdale 36-18 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 37-30. Florida Poly also recorded 14 assists, nine steals, and five blocked shots while generating 16 second-chance points. Fort Lauderdale finished shooting 34.4 percent from the field, with Rodgers and Forbes leading the Eagles with 13 points apiece. Ruiz added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Juwan Dawes contributed 10 points and six rebounds. Despite being outscored 44-41 in the second half, the Phoenix held on to remain undefeated through their first two games.
