Box Score WAYCROSS — Polk State Basketball fought valiantly in a contest that was close throughout. In the end, the Eagles suffered their first loss of the season to South Georgia State College on Saturday, 71-64.
Polk State (5-1) wouldn't let the Hawks run away with the contest but couldn't get the timely stop it needed down the stretch in the South Georgia State College Shootout. A 3-point play by
Dominick Nelson and a pair of free throws by
Ty Owens each made it a one-possession game over the final minutes but only once did Polk State have the ball in a one-possession game.
Trailing 63-60, Polk State came up with a big steal as Owens drove hard to the rim. No call was made and South Georgia State was able to cash in on the other end.
Although Polk State shot a higher percentage from the free throw line, South Georgia State got to the line eight more times, shooting 20-for-27. The Eagles shot 17-for-19 from the stripe.
Nelson tied a career-high with 24 points in the loss.
Cole White added 12 points. Owens and
TrayVon Osborne each tallied eight points.
Kyric Davis and JoJo Bell led the way for the Hawks with 22 and 21 points, respectively. South Georgia State shot 55% in the second half.
After four straight games away from home, Polk State will be back in front of the home crowd on Monday night to take on TRC Academy. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
