The Dalton State basketball team will host the annual Roadrunners Booster Club Classic this weekend at the Dalton Convention Center's Mashburn Arena.
Cumberland University from Lebonan, Tn., the University of the Cumberlands from Williamsburg, Ky. and Wilberforce University from Wilberforce, Oh. will be in town for the two-day event.
Friday's action will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET when the University of the Cumberlands Patriots (9-3 overall, 1-1 Mid-South Conference) play the Wilberforce Bulldogs (6-6 including a 2-0 forfeit loss).
The Patriot's leading scorer is D'Lando Carter. He is averaging 14.80 points per game. He is 19
th In the nation in field goal pct. (57.9%) and is eighth in 3-point field goal pct. (50%). University of the Cumberlands is 14
th in NAIA Division I in 3-point field goal pct. (37.7%) and scoring defense per game (68.417%).
Dalton State (7-2 overall, 2-0 SSAC) will follow at around 8:00 p.m. The Roadrunners will play the Cumberland Bulldogs (7-7 overall and 1-2 Mid-South).
Cumberland used an early 16-0 run in Tuesday night's game to hold off Bethel (Tn.), 89-80. Cumberland's balanced offensive attack is led by guard Mark Brown. He is averaging 12.36 points per game and ranked No. 8 in NAIA D-I in 3-point field goals made (37). Devarus Craig, a 6-8 forward, is averaging 6.75 rebounds a game. He is No.3 in NAIA Division I in Field Goal Pct. at 64.9%.
Defending national champions Dalton State started the season with losses to Mid-South Conference teams Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville, but have rebounded with seven wins in a row. They have since captured seven wins in a row.
The No. 9 Roadrunners are ranked 11
th in NAIA D-I in defensive rebounds per game (30.556) and 15
th in scoring defense a game (68.444).
Jamaine Burrey is third in NAIA D-1 in steals per game (2.889) and 8
th in total steals (26).
Jordan Bowling leads DS in scoring (18.44 ppg), rebounds (10.67 rpg) and blocked shots (.89). The 6-6 forward is sixth in D-I in total rebounds per game, 10
th in offensive rebounds a game (3.778) and 11
th in defensive rebounds per contest (6.889).
Deshawn Ruffin leads the team in assists with 19.
Saturday's action will begin with a battle of the Bulldogs. Cumberland University plays Wilberforce at 2:00 p.m. Dalton State will play the University of the Cumberlands at around 4:00 p.m.
Seating for the early games each day will be general admission. Dalton State reserved seat holders will be able to use their reserved seats for the second game of each day. Tickets are good for two games each day, but fans sitting in sections usually set aside for reserved seating will be asked to move between contests.
Live video of all Roadrunner basketball games is available on the athletic department website at
www.dsroadrunners.comÂ
