Box Score WAYCROSS — After averaging more than 100 points over its first four games, Polk State Basketball proved it could grind out a win defensively on Friday night. The Eagles opened the South Georgia State College Shootout with a 68-57 win over East Georgia State College.

Polk State scored the game's first eight points and led 16-1 early. By the early parts of the second half, however, Polk State (5-0) found itself trailing by a point.

A jumper by Dominick Nelson put the Eagles ahead for good and kickstarted an 8-0 run. A 3-point play from Nathan Andrice and a 3-pointer by Malachi Stevens capped the run.

From there, it was all Polk State. After a sluggish offensive start, the Eagles shot 52% from the field in the second half. Polk State led by as many as 17 points late.

"Without three starters, this was a very solid win for our guys," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "I'm proud of our young team for pulling out a tough road win tonight. We have to turn the page and get ready for a tough South Georgia State College team tomorrow."

Nelson overcame a tough shooting night to lead Polk State with 15 points. Andrice and Stevens added 11 points apiece in the win. Amon McDowell led the Bobcats with a game-high 19 points, going 4-for-8 from the field and a perfect 11-for-11 from the foul line.

Polk State will try to remain perfect on Saturday when it wraps up the South Georgia State College Shootout against the host school. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.