DALTON, Ga. – In a hard fought game, Dalton State lost 89-83 to Faulkner University (Ala.) in its first Southern States Athletic Conference game of the year at Mashburn Arena on Saturday.

The First Half

The visiting Eagles started out strong but the Roadrunners gained momentum with Isaiah Box and Mike Harden bringing the score to 10-5 with 13:02 left. Both teams played fiercely throughout the first half and kept the score nearly level. The Roadrunners pushed ahead and gained a 7 point lead at 26-18 with 7:17 left, but the Eagles recovered and ended the first half down 39-34.

The Second Half

The second half was packed with tension as the Eagles leveled the score 45-45 with 16:13, on the impressive three-point shooting of Lucas Lutrell]. As the second half unfolded, the Eagles gained the lead with the Roadrunners striving to close the gap. Mon'Darius Black aided in advancing Dalton State's score with Mike Harden bringing the game to a draw at 71-71 with 4:44 left. From there, the game intensified as both teams pushed to gain the lead. In a close match, the evening ended with the Eagles taking the win 89-83.

The Rest of the Story

Dalton State starts Southern States Athletic Conference play with a loss, breaking its win streak, and dropping to 5-1. Even so, fans are optimistic about the season and hope the Roadrunners can bring another championship home. Diego Alvarado, a student at Dalton State, states that "I've been here watching the games and the players definitely have what it takes."

The Roadrunners had four players score in double-figures, led by Isaiah Box with 23 points. Mon'Darius Black and J'Quayveon Williams each scored 16 points, and Williams went a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line, followed by Mike Harden with 13 points.

Faulkner University was led by the strong showings of Di'mar Hill with 29 points and Lucas Lutrell with 20 points.

On the Horizon

Dalton State will face Fisk University (Tenn.) at Mashburn Arena Friday, December 16^th, at 8:00pm.