Box Score MARIANNA, Fla. — Polk State Basketball fell just short of victory in its 2022-23 season opener, falling to Pensacola State College 71-64 in its first game of the Chipola Classic on Friday afternoon.

"We had great energy and execution for the first half of basketball which allowed us to push the lead to as much as eight during that stretch," said Polk State Head Coach Brandon Giles. "Unfortunately, one half of good basketball doesn't equate to wins."

Sophomores Jaelin Simpson and Ashton Howard were both double-digit scorers for the Eagles (0-1).

Polk gritted its way to a five-point lead over Pensacola at the half. 

The Eagles missed a bevy of shots from behind the arc in the latter part of the second half that proved costly.

"The beauty of playing in tip-off classics is you get another shot the very next day," added Giles. "We are excited for the opportunity to play No. 9 in the country Chipola College tomorrow evening."

Polk will indeed look to respond on Saturday with the tall task of taking on No. 9 Chipola. The Indians were an NJCAA semifinalist last season. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. locally.