Box Score BRADENTON – Polk State Basketball was able to open a big second-half lead but wasn't able to seal the deal at the final game of the Manatee Classic on Saturday. Gordon State College rallied from 14 points down to snap the Eagles' four-game winning streak in overtime, 88-80.

It looked as though the Eagles (4-3) were on the verge of pulling away in the second half. A 10-0 run, which included three-pointers from Ashton Howard and Carson Beisner, pushed the lead to 65-51 with less than eight minutes to go in the game, but the Highlanders responded with a 21-4 run to take a 72-69 lead.

A three-point play from George Pridgett evened the game with less than two minutes to play and ultimately forced overtime. Gordon State, however, scored the first seven points in the extra period and from there, the game was never closer than four.

"Our approach was way too relaxed and in turn, it showed in the way we defended today," Polk State Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "We didn't dictate the pace of the game off our defense. Defense is what won us the previous four games. Hats off to Gordon State on winning the third game of a three-game stretch after dropping the first two."

Pridgett led Polk State with 22 points while Dominick Nelson added 15 points. Jaelin Simpson finished with 11 points, which included six of the Eagles' eight points in overtime.

Pridgett and Nelson were each named to the All-Tournament team for the Manatee Classic. Polk State will return to action on Tuesday night as it visits Florida SouthWestern State College.