Box Score WINTER HAVEN – Despite a return to the Health Center on Wednesday night, the first Citrus Conference win of the season remains elusive for Polk State Basketball. The Eagles dropped a heartbreaker to Hillsborough Community College, 72-69.
For 33 minutes, Polk State (12-4, 0-2 Citrus) never trailed. Hillsborough Community took its first lead on a fast-break layup from Said Mobasher with less than seven minutes to go. From there, it was close the rest of the way.
The Hawks went ahead to stay with a layup from Misael Cruz Rodriguez with 1:36 remaining to go up 66-64. A three-point play from Chandler Davis on the next possession pushed the lead to 69-64, but the Eagles wouldn't go away.
A clutch steal and 3-pointer from
Kellen Cashman with 26 seconds remaining drew the Eagles to within two. After the teams traded deuces on each end, Davis split a pair of free throws with 10 seconds left. Down 72-69, Polk State needed a 3-pointer to tie but couldn't get a shot off before the buzzer sounded.
"We just did not execute defensively down the stretch," Polk State Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "We have to turn the page and not let two losses become three."
Polk State started strong to open each half.
Fray Nguimbi scored four early points as the Eagles opened the game on a 9-0 run. Polk State led 36-31 at halftime before beginning the second half on a 7-0 run to push the advantage to 12 – its biggest lead of the night.
Hillsborough used the 3-point shot to stay in the contest. Fourteen of the Hawks' 26 made field goals came from beyond the arc. Austin White led the Hawks with a game-high 15 points with all five of his makes coming from deep.
Nathan Andrice finished with 14 points and eight rebounds to lead Polk State.
Ty Owens and Cashman each added 12 points. Owens led the team with four assists while
Kenny Fields chipped in with nine points and three steals.
In addition to White's 15 points, Mobasher, Davis, and Niko Bavaro each added 13 for Hillsborough. Davis grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. Hillsborough shot 43% from the field to 38% for the Eagles and a stellar 47% from beyond the arc.
Each of Polk State's four losses this season have come by three points or less – or by a total of just 11 points. The Eagles will aim for their first conference win on Saturday as they remain home to take on St. Petersburg College. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
