WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (Interstat) — In a breathtaking offensive display that defied conventional basketball logic, the USC Salkehatchie Indians outlasted the Polk State Eagles 134-127 in a double-overtime men’s junior college season opener that stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning.

The game, played on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, was a tale of two halves, featuring a record-shattering first half followed by a dramatic defensive struggle that necessitated two extra periods to decide a winner.

The first 20 minutes were an offensive explosion rarely seen at any level of basketball. The two teams combined for a staggering 220 points by halftime, with USC Salkehatchie leading 110-110. The Indians poured in 60 points in the first quarter alone, while the Eagles answered with 54. The pace barely relented in the second period, as the Indians added 50 more and Polk State scored 56. The first-half point total shattered typical game scores and set the stage for a frantic finish.

The second half, however, was a complete reversal. Both offenses went cold, with the third quarter ending in an 11-11 stalemate. The defensive intensity carried into the fourth quarter, where USC Salkehatchie managed 13 points and Polk State was held to just six, sending the game into overtime tied.

After a first overtime period failed to break the deadlock, the Indians finally seized control in the second extra session to secure the victory and open their season 1-0. Polk State begins its campaign 0-1.

The game was a statistical oddity, with both teams posting remarkably similar advanced metrics. USC Salkehatchie scored its 134 points on 118 possessions for an offensive rating of 107.3, while Polk State’s 127 points came on 120 possessions for a 105.9 rating. The Indians shot 45 for 90 from the field, while the Eagles went 42 for 93. Polk State found more success from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 35 three-point attempts compared to USC Salkehatchie’s 5 for 18. Both teams frequented the free-throw line, with the Indians making 32 of 47 and the Eagles converting 31 of 44.

Rebounding was nearly even, with USC Salkehatchie holding a 59-58 edge. The Indians dished out 20 assists and recorded 20 steals, capitalizing on 26 Polk State turnovers. The Eagles blocked 7 shots and forced 21 Indian turnovers.

Individual performances were monumental. Kramar led all scorers for USC Salkehatchie with 38 points in just 22 minutes of action. Ward added 20 points and Cooley posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Jenkins contributed 14 points and Gladden finished with 12.

For Polk State, Ethan Simon delivered a Herculean effort with a double-double of 31 points and 16 rebounds. Marques DaSilva-Romeo scored 27 points, fueled by a sharp three-point shooting display. Eric Dailey added 23 points and Isaiah McCray chipped in 16 points and 6 assists.

The result was a mild upset according to one projection system. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a Polk State victory with a final score of 128-127, though its ELO rating system gave USC Salkehatchie a 66 percent probability to win.

USC Salkehatchie will look to build on the momentum with a quick turnaround, traveling to face Daytona State on Saturday, Nov. 1. Polk State will also play Saturday, hitting the road to take on Wake Tech.