MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Roadrunners trailed for much of the first half, but fought back in the second for a 73-67 win over Middle Georgia State on Thursday to advance to the SSAC tournament semifinals.

THE FIRST HALF
The game was slow to start as both teams stood on even footing at 7-6 with 16:50 left. Middle Georgia State would be the first to break away with an 11-0 run that was capped by a three from Pat Edmonds from a Marques Hinton assist that would give the Knights a commanding lead at 18-6 with 13:40 left. Dalton State would continue to trail throughout the half, but would begin to find their stride as they shrunk the gap to 5 at 26-21 with 6:07 left. The Knights were unable to stop the Roadrunners rally, and Dalton State would trail by a paper-thin margin of 1 point at 32-31 going into the break.

THE SECOND HALF
Both teams came into the second half looking to get the momentum, but were unable to gain ground as the half started with a series of back-to-back shots from the field from each side that kept the game tied at 38-38 with 16:25 left. The Roadrunners began to pull ahead when an assist by Mike Harden to J'Quayveon Williams would find the back of the board to give Dalton State a 5-point lead at 43-38 with 15:24 left. The Knights would quickly find the momentum over the next minute to make a 7-0 run and keep the game tied at 43-43 with 14:08 left. The Roadrunners and the Knights would continue to trade goals throughout the half, but key defensive stops by Dalton State would see the team maintain a lead for the remainder of the game. The Roadrunners would go on to win the game 73-67.

THE REST OF THE STORY
Dalton State advances to the semifinals of the tournament with the win. The Roadrunners had four players in double-figures, and were led by the strong play Carnilious Simmons with a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. Sayvon Wilson helped the team stay ahead in the paint with 14 points. J'Quayveon Williams and Mike Harden scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

Middle Georgia State concludes their season with the loss. Kieston Standfield led the team with an impressive double-double of 23 points and 19 rebounds. Pat Edmonds was the second Knights player in double-figures with 10 points.

The Roadrunners continue to the semifinals in the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament tomorrow, March 3rd, against Martin Methodist (Tenn.) at 4:00 p.m. (EST).