Polk State’s six-game winning streak ended tonight with a 77-71 loss to Chipola College (No. 2 FCSAA, No. 5 NJCAA) on the final day of the Josh Giles Memorial Classic in Winter Haven.
After taking an early 11-9 lead, the Eagles trailed 41-35 at halftime.
They kept it close in the second half and tied the score at 58 with 8:50 left to play.
After taking a 63-62 advantage, however, Polk State fell behind 65-63 and never enjoyed another lead.
“As we expected, it was a big-time game with a lot of talent on both teams,” said Head Coach Brandon Giles.
“The refs did a great job of letting both teams play consistently. I don’t think fouls were lopsided at any point in the game.
“We were able to get stops when we needed them, but we weren’t converting them like we needed to on the offensive end, especially late in the second half when were down by two points.”
Clarence Jackson had a game-high 18 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Tekorian “TK” Smith put 16 points on the board while pulling down three rebounds.
Malcolm Stevenson added 11 points and three rebounds.
The Eagles (6-1, No. 4 FCSAA) travel to Ocala on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. game at College of Central Florida (6-2, No. 10 FCSAA).
“It’s time to turn the page, and I know our guys will be prepared Tuesday,” said Giles.
“That game will be a good road test for us. We’re excited to go to Ocala and play a well-coached Central Florida team.”
Including Tuesday’s game, Polk State plays seven times on the road before facing Central Florida at 3 p.m. on New Year’s Day in Winter Haven.