DAYTONA BEACH — Polk State Basketball's season opener couldn't have been much crazier. In the end, the Eagles came up short to the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie in double overtime to kick off the Daytona Beach Shootout on Friday night,134-127.
Polk State (0-1) trailed by as many as 11 points in the first half but used a 21-5 run to take a 50-45 lead.
Eric Dailey and
Isaiah McCray combined for 13 points during the run.
The Indians closed the first half on a 15-4 run to take a 60-54 lead into the locker room. In the second half, however, it appeared that the Eagles had seized control.
Marques DaSilva-Romeo hit back-to-back 3-pointers to break an 83-83 tie and ignite a 22-8 run.
Down 105-91, USC Salkehatchie responded with a 16-1 run to take the lead. Still, the Eagles were one stop from victory after
Moises Valdez and
Ethan Simon each split a pair of free throws. Aby Biniam scored for the Indians with 18 seconds left to tie the game at 110 and force overtime.
In the first overtime, Polk State fell behind 120-114 but DaSilva-Romeo scored back-to-back baskets to jumpstart a 7-1 run. Simon's jumper with 20 seconds left forced a second overtime.
The Eagles never led in the second overtime.
Tre Jackson scored four of Polk State's six points in the period, cutting the deficit to two each time. Polk State missed four straight shots before Simon scored at the buzzer.
Simon led Polk State with 31 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. DaSilva-Romeo made seven 3-pointers to finish with 27 points. Dailey added 23 points.
McCray finished with 16 points, six assists and three steals. Valdez and Jackson added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Valdez, Dailey, McCray,
Braylin Wells and
Josh Pitts each fouled out for the Eagles.
Sebastian Kramar led seven USC Salkehatchie players in double figures with 38 points. The Indians shot 49% from the field to 45% for Polk State.
Polk State will aim for its first win as it wraps up the Daytona Beach Shootout on Saturday against Wake Technical Community College. Tip time is set for 1 p.m.
