Box Score MELBOURNE – Polk State Basketball's losing streak hit six on Saturday as the Eagles fell to Miami Dade College to open the NJCAA Region 8 Shootout, 75-52.
The Eagles scored four straight points early to even the game 12-12. Miami Dade responded with a 10-0 run and never trailed again. The Sharks led 39-25 at halftime and by as many as 26 points in the second half.
Polk State picked up its first road win of the season in a thriller at Miami Dade last month. On Saturday, however, nothing went the Eagles' way. As a team, Polk State (4-8) shot just 34% from the field while the Sharks shot 48%. Miami Dade also held a 37-27 rebounding advantage.
"My hat goes off to Miami Dade for the consistent effort, energy, toughness, and togetherness," Polk State Head Coach
Brandon Giles said. "We simply won't win many games if we can't rebound the ball."
Jamichael Stillwell was a big source of the Eagles' grief, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 18 rebounds for Miami Dade. Ibrahim Wattara and Tyriek Weeks each led the way with 18 points for the Sharks in the victory.
George Pridgett led Polk State with 14 points and six steals in the loss.
AJ Hamrick had one of the more efficient days for the Eagles, tallying 10 points and two blocks while shooting 4-for-7 from the field.
Polk State will have a quick turnaround. The Eagles will be back in action at noon on Sunday as they take on Indian River State College to conclude the Region 8 Shootout.
