Box Score MARIANNA — For more than a half, Polk State Basketball traded blows with No. 9 Chipola College, but a big second-half run was the difference as the Eagles fell in the Chipola Classic on Saturday night, 76-66.

Polk State (0-2) used an 11-4 run late in the first half that spanned into the early parts of the second to cut what was a eight-point deficit to one. The Eagles trailed 32-30 at the break and got to within 34-33 early in the second.

The Indians responded with a 17-4 run. Polk State continued to scratch and claw, but could get no closer than eight.

"We knew it would be a war and a war, in fact, is what it was," Polk State Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "(If) we knock down more shots and have our three missing starters in rotation, I think both of these games may have a different outcome."

Chipola showed led by double digits for much of the second half, but Polk State continued to battle back and cut into the lead. George Pridgett led the Eagles with 19 points. Jaelin Simpson scored in double figures for the second straight game, tallying 17 points in the loss. Freshman Dominick Nelson added 12 points.

"One thing I am extremely proud of in our team is the way we competed and didn't make things easy for Chipola," Giles added. "We will continue to get better as the season goes on. It's a long year."

Polk State will be home for the first time on Tuesday. The Eagles will play host to State College of Florida-Manatee. Tip is set for 7 p.m.