Box Score LAKE CITY — Polk State Basketball led for most of the second half but struggled down the stretch on Wednesday night. Florida Gateway College closed on a 25-9 run to top the Eagles, 84-74.

The contest was close throughout. After falling behind by a point, Dominick Nelson's pull-up jumper gave Polk State (6-2) a 41-40 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Eagles led by six on multiple occasions but couldn't put the Wolves away. For most of the night, Polk State had an answer to Florida Gateway's runs. Cole White's drive to the rim for two gave the Eagles a 69-65 lead with less than five minutes remaining but Polk State managed just one field goal the rest of the way.

"With the injuries — us missing three starters — we need guys to step up and play bigger roles," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "Those same guys have to actually lock in and not be afraid of the moment, but again, it starts with the work outside of practice; this team needs more guys with the mindset of Cole White."

White finished with 18 points and six rebounds while shooting an efficient 8-for-11 from the field. Nelson also had an efficient offensive night, going 9-for-11 from the floor with a team-high 25 points. Ty Owens added 12 points and three assists in the loss.

As a team, Polk State shot 60% to 52% for Florida Gateway. The Wolves, however, were able to make up for it at the free throw line, finishing 27-for-30.

"Defensively, guys' mindsets just aren't in the right place right now and if we don't change that, we will lose many games this year," Giles added. "More than anything, guys have been unrealistic with themselves, especially with the way we've scheduled."

Polk State's final lead of the night came on a pair of free throws from Owens with less than three minutes remaining. A 3-pointer by Florida Gateway's Amayoa'ah Phillips on the ensuing possession put the Wolves ahead for good and ignited a 15-3 run to end the game. Phillips finished with a game-high 29 points on 11-for-13 from the field.

"It starts with the work you put in outside of the game," Giles said of his team. "You can't just show up on game day and be ready to play. If you could, you wouldn't be playing for me."

Polk State will continue a busy week on Saturday when it heads south to take on Palm Beach State College. Tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.