WEST PLAINS, Mo. — A rough close to the first half and start to the second half did in Polk State Basketball on Saturday. The Eagles' late rally came up short as they closed the West Plains Grizzly Tournament with a 77-72 loss to No. 24 Moberly Area Community College.

For the second straight day, Polk State started strong. Tammar Brown and Ethan Simon combined for the game's first five points. Moberly Area answered with an 18-4 run but Polk State (4-2) responded.

Polk State used a 14-4 run to go back in front. A running lay-in by Simon gave Polk State a 23-22 lead — its last of the day.

After a Tre Jackson 3-pointer tied the game at 28, the Greyhounds seized control with a 26-5 run that spanned both halves. Moberly Area led 43-31 at halftime and 54-33 at the run's conclusion. 

A Promise Udemezue 3-pointer finally ended the run and jumpstarted a late rally for the Eagles. Polk State was able to draw to within five, thanks to a 27-11 spurt that concluded with a Simon free throw to make it 65-60. 

The Eagles fought until the final buzzer. After five straight points from Omar Migues-Hibeljic cut it to five with 16 seconds left, Elijah Lubsey drove the length of the court to make it 76-72 with less than 10 seconds remaining. Unfortunately, those would be the final points for Polk State.

For the sixth straight game, Eric Dailey was Polk State's leading scorer, finishing with 17 points. Simon added 11 points. Migues-Hibeljic provided a late spark, scoring all 10 of his points in the second half.

After three straight back-to-backs to begin the season, Polk State will get an extended rest. Up next for Polk State is a home contest against Florida Polytechnic University on November 24.