Box Score WINTER HAVEN — Polk State Basketball stood toe-to-toe with No. 24 Eastern Florida State College on Saturday. In the end, a late run propelled the Titans to an 82-70 victory.

Polk State (14-8, 2-6 Citrus Conference) led 65-63 with less than seven minutes to go, but Eastern Florida closed on a 19-5 run to end the contest. A 3-pointer by Corey Caulker put Eastern ahead for good.

Shooting from distance was the difference on Saturday. The Titans finished 12-for-20 from beyond the arc. Polk State was a respectable 7 of 19 from downtown. Eastern had a 15-point edge on 3-pointers and made seven more free throws than the Eagles.

The contest was close for most of the day. Karl Knighten Jr. banked in a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run and give Polk State a 20-19 lead — its last of the first half. The Titans scored the next eight points and took a 44-36 lead into the locker room.

Polk State opened the second half on an 8-0 run to draw even. There were multiple lead changes before Eastern Florida's final run.

Caulker finished with 28 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 6-for-9 from deep. Fredy-Salam Sylla added 18 points for Eastern Florida in the win.

Fray Nguimbi led Polk State with 15 points on 5-for-8 from the field. Cole White shot 6-for-9 to finish with 13 points. The two were tied for the team lead with six rebounds each.

During Saturday's contest, Polk State coaches wore suits and sneakers as part of the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer Suits And Sneakers Week. It is a nationwide initiative from Jan. 27 through Feb. 5.

Midway through conference play, Polk State finds itself on the outside in for a spot in the FCSAA Tournament. The Eagles will remain home to face Miami Dade College on Wednesday night.