Box Score TALLAHASSEE — Polk State Basketball was unable to get a top-15 win during its two-day stay in Tallahassee for the Region 8 Shootout. Polk State fell to No. 5 Northwest Florida State College on Sunday, 70-59.
The Eagles never led in the contest but trailed by just three with less than five minutes to play in the first half. Polk State trailed 33-26 at the break.
Isaiah McCray (7) and
Ethan Simon (6) combined for half of the scoring for Polk State over the first 20 minutes.
Northwest Florida scored the first nine points to open the second half. From there, the game never again hit single digits.
The Eagles played solid defense, holding the Raiders to just 38% from the field. Unfortunately, Polk State shot just 33% from the field and attempted just four free throws to 21 for Northwest Florida State College. Each team finished with just eight turnovers.
While Polk State struggled offensively as a team,
Josh Pitts was efficient, shooting 6-for-12 and 4 of 8 from deep to finish with 17 points. McCray added 14 to go with a team-high four assists. Simon finished with eight points and eight rebounds.
Jonas Nichols led the Raiders with 14 points. Justin Burns added 12 points and 10 rebounds for NWF.
After consecutive losses, Polk State will try to get back over .500 following an extended rest. The Eagles will host Brunswick Community College to open the Polk State Classic on Dec. 19.
