Dauda's Free Throws Secure Win Over Brevard

WINTER HAVEN – Polk State sophomore center Ismaila Dauda (Nigeria) sank two free throws with four seconds left in the game as the Polk State College men's basketball team (12-5) held off ninth-ranked Brevard Community College 60-56 Monday at the Winter Haven Health Center.

Dauda led all scorers with 17 points as the Eagles captured their fifth game in a row and broke the Titans' (13-4) four-game win streak in the non-conference contest.

Polk freshman Antonio Bishop (Chicago) added 11 points and freshman teammate Nafis Walker (Philadelphia) chipped in 10 in the victory.

Titan sophomore Addison Spruill led Brevard with 14 points.

Polk led the Titans 58-55 with six seconds left in the contest when Eagle Ralph Simmons fouled Titan Nyles Evans as Evans was shooting a three-pointer.

Evans made the first free throw and missed the next two.

Duada grabbed the key rebound and was fouled.

Dauda secured the victory by hitting two free throws with four seconds remaining.

The Eagles kept fans on the edge of their seats as they missed three free throws in the final minute.

A Brevard turnover and a key rebound by Dauda kept the Eagles ahead 58-55 in the game's final 30 seconds.

The Eagles led the Titans by as much as 17 in the first half before the Titans closed the gap to one point with four minutes left in the contest.

 "We told the guys they were going to make a run," said Polk State College coach Matt Furjanic. "They play hard and up tempo. We told them we still want to execute on offense. They made some threes and we missed a couple of shots. That's what happens."

The Titans, who were averaging 88 points per game, trailed the Eagles 33-18 at the half.

The Titans, ranked ninth in the FCSAA (Florida College System Activities Association), are having their best season in their last 13.

Polk hosts College of Central Florida Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Winter Haven Health Center.