Box Score DAYTONA BEACH – Polk State Basketball had its second-highest scoring effort in Central Conference play on Saturday, but it was nowhere close to enough in a 111-88 loss to No. 18 Daytona State College.
Before the midway point of the first half, the Eagles (7-13, 2-5 Central) were in a 21-8 hole. By halftime, the lead for Daytona State increased to 53-35. Polk State never threatened in the second half.
"It's on to the next," Polk State Head Coach
Brandon Giles said.
For the game, the Falcons shot 53% from the field 40% from deep, making 16 three-point shots. Polk State shot a respectable 46% from the field, but made four fewer three-pointers, had 10 fewer rebounds, and committed five more turnovers.
Dominick Nelson had a career-day for the Eagles, finishing with 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting to go with a team-high nine rebounds.
George Pridgett added 21 points on an efficient 8-for-15 from the field. Pridgett and
Alex Vertus, who finished with 14 points, each made four treys for the Eagles.
Ashton Howard tallied 11 points off the Polk State bench.
Kezza Giffa finished with 28 points to lead five Daytona State players in double figures. Giffa went 10-for-15 from the field and 6-for-9 from deep. Ky Stattmann finished with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Josue Grullon-German had the game's only double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
After back-to-back road games against nationally ranked teams, the Eagles will play four of their next five at home. That begins on Wednesday against Florida State College at Jacksonville. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
