Montgomery, Ala. - Faulkner University defeated Dalton State basketball Thursday night. 75-69. The host Eagles gained their first ever win over the Roadrunners by connecting on 14 straight free throws down the stretch and 19/20 to close out the game.

The Roadrunners had built a nine-point lead early in the first half (13-4), but Faulkner pulled to within one at 29-28. Dalton State's lead at the break was 31-28.

The Eagles tied the game at 33 and again at 43. A three-point shot by Nick Drake with 11:51 remaining in the contest gave the hosts their first lead of the night, 46-43.

The Roadrunners continued to fight back and earned their last advantage of the night when Jordan Bowling hit a three with 4:38 left in the game to put Dalton State up, 57-55. That's when Faulkner scored 11 straight points, mostly at the charity line, to go up 66-57. The Eagles never looked back.

Marcel Hawkins led Dalton State scorers with 20 points before fouling out with 2:49 left in the game. Reed Dungan scored 16 points, Bowling scored 11, Jalen Robinson had 10 points and 8 rebounds, and Deshawn Ruffin had 8 points. Jamaine Burrey would foul out with 2:17 left.

"We played great defense most of the night, but we are not going to win many games with Marcel and Jamaine both fouling out going down to the wire," said Coach Tony Ingle. "We really showed a lot of fight down the stretch but could not get the key stops on defense or hit the critical baskets late."

Faulkner's Nick Drake had a game high 25 points. The Eagles hit 82.76% from the foul line (24-29) to Dalton State's 68% (17-25). Rebounds were close with Faulkner edging out the Roadrunners, 35-34.

Dalton State (14-9, 6-6 SSAC) stays in Alabama's capital city for a 4:00 p.m. game at Auburn-Montgomery (12-10, 6-6 SSAC) on Saturday. The Warhawks lost in overtime to (RV) Middle Georgia State Thursday night, 91-90.

Saturday Night NAIA Scoreboard:
Faulkner (Al.) 75, Dalton State 69
(RV) Middle Georgia State 91, Auburn-Montgomery 90
(18) William Carey (Ms.) 108, (RV) Bethel (Tn.) 92
(2) Georgetown (KY) 93, (4) Pikeville (KY) 85
Shawnee State (OH) 72 (RV) Cumberlands (KY) 65
Life (GA) 92, Cumberland (TN) 71
Lindsey Wilson (KY) 56, Ohio Christian 55