Manatees Lose Late Against Palm Beach State College

The State College of Florida men's basketball team faced another tough test at Hal Chasey Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.

The Manatees hosted Palm Beach State College (8-0), ranked No. 5 in the nation, and gave the Panthers all they could handle.

Palm Beach escaped with an 81-79 win on a tip-in basket with one second left in regulation.

Saturday marked the second time SCF has welcomed a team to Chasey Gym ranked in the top five of the National Junior College Athletic Association poll this season. SCF faced top-ranked Monroe College (NY) in the SCF Classic November 11.

"That was the best game we played all year," Whelton said after Saturday's contest. "We played with a lot of energy and were aggressive. We were unlucky to lose."

SCF had five players in double-figures led by Anthony Prescott with 17. Dauntae Johnson and Stone Hallaway each had 13 while Eric Halliwell added 12. Odi Onyekachukwu finished with 11 for the Manatees (2-5). Johnson, Hollaway and Halliwell collected their points coming off the bench.

"We had balanced scoring. I thought we got a lot off our bench. Dauntae played his best game, Stone played his best game and Eric has been consistent for us all year," Whelton said. "When you get three guys in double-figures from the bench it really helps."

SCF will host Florida-State College at Jacksonville at 4 p.m. Saturday.