Box Score  


 
Cochran, GA – It was an exciting Saturday afternoon in Morris Gym as the host Middle Georgia Knights led NAIA number 14 Dalton State at the half by nine points, 32-23. The final Roadrunner lead prior to intermission was at 10-9. The Roadrunners were only 3 of 9 from the charity stripe. 

Dalton State, ranked number 14 in the nation by the NAIA Top-25 Coaches Poll, stormed back after the break to outscore the Knights in the second half, 47-21, and take a commanding 70-53 win on the road. Improved free throw shooting and better shooting from the field combined for a better second half. Dalton State finished 14 of 33 (60.87%) from the charity stripe and 24 of 59 from the floor (40.68%). Meanwhile, the Knights were held to 50% from the free throw line and 28.79% from the field.  Dalton also had a rebounding average, 22 to 19.

"We really played one of our best halves of basketball this season on both ends of the court," said DS Coach Tony Ingle. "We still need to put two good halves together. Not having an away game since Tennessee Temple on December 18^th was a challenge. We showed a lot of heart, hustle and poise in order to come from behind and win this game."   
 
Jordon Bowling finished with a double-double: a game-high 18 points to go along with ten rebounds. Preston Earle finished with 4 of 8 from beyond the arch and 14 points. He added seven rebounds and four assists. Ladaris Green was in foul trouble early on. He had seven points at the half and was held scoreless in the second half. He finished with a game high 15 rebounds.

Sean Tate scored 14 points, was 4 of 4 from the foul line, and added four assists. Anthony Hilliard had nine points and five rebounds. Jamaine Burrey added six points.

Ryan Wilkins led Middle Georgia with 14 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. Brandon Ingleton scored 11 points and Cory Reid added ten points. 

Dalton State will be on the road again Thursday, January 22^nd, when they visit Martin Methodist (17-1, 8-0)  in Pulaski, Tn. The high flying Redhawks are ranked number five in the country in this week's NAIA Coaches Top-25. Middle Georgia (6-6. 4-4) will host NAIA Division II Brewton-Parker that night.

The Roadrunners (15-2, 6-1 SSAC) return home to Mashburn Arena for two SSAC games in three days. Action begins with Blue Mountain College  on Thursday, January 29^th at 7:30 p.m. Dalton State homecoming follows on Saturday, January 31^st when they host Bethel at 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday NAIA Basketball Results:

Dalton State 70, Middle Georgia State 53
(5) Martin Methodist -TN 58, (16) William Carey 57
Loyola - LA 62, Blue Mountain - MS 61
Faulkner - MS 63. Brewton-Parker - GA 58
Coastal Georgia 64, Mobile - AL 55
Belhaven - MS 88, Auburn-Montgomery - AL 83
(4) Pikeville - KY 72, Cumberland - TN 59
(25) Cumberlands - KY 62, Lindsey Wilson 58
St. Catharine - KY 86, Life - GA 84
Tennessee Wesleyan 88, Montreat - NC 75 (D-II)