#15 Dalton State Drops Season Finale To Middle Georgia

Dalton State College Athletics

COCHRAN, Ga. - #15 Dalton State played tough, but couldn't overcome 12 three-pointers in a 92-82 loss to Middle Georgia at Morris Gym in Cochran, Ga. on Saturday evening. With the loss, the Roadrunners fall to second place in the conference standings giving #14 William Carey (Miss.) the regular-season championship and an automatic bid to the NAIA Tournament.

THE FIRST HALF
Dalton State would jump out to a quick lead, but Middle Georgia would battle back to tie the score four minutes into the period. Dalton State would reassume control and hold the lead until the 9:20 mark of the half when a Rydealous Taylor three-pointer gave the Knights a 20-18 lead.

The half would feature two more ties, but a 10-2 run from Middle Georgia beginning with 5:33 on the clock would stretch the Knight lead out to eight. The lead would grow to nine points, but a quick 5-0 spurt from the Roadrunners to end the half would cut the Middle Georgia lead to four at the half, 45-41.

THE SECOND HALF
Middle Georgia would steadily increase the lead to begin the second half. The Knight advantage would grow to as much as 15 points, but Dalton State would start to chip away. A 12-3 run from the Roadrunners would cut the deficit to six with 3:16 remaining.

Dalton State would hit their shots and try to cut into the lead but couldn't get it below five. Middle Georgia would hit their shots from the charity stripe down the stretch and hold on for the victory, 92-82.

THE REST OF THE STORY
#15 Dalton State falls to (22-7 overall, 14-4 SSAC) with the loss, while Middle Georgia improves to (15-12 overall, 9-9 SSAC) with the win. All-American Carnilious Simmons led the way with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Senior Reed Dungan added 20 points, while Aaron Burress notched 10 points in the defeat.

Middle Georgia was led by Roshaun Milline with 23 points and seven assists. Darrell White added 19 points and seven assists of his own. Tyrone Young (18) and Rydealous Taylor (14) also scored in double-figures for the Knights.

Middle Georgia out-rebounded Dalton State 49-35 and shot 46% from three compared to 30% from Dalton State.

UP NEXT
#15 Dalton State will get a few days off before heading to Montgomery, Ala. for the SSAC Tournament. They will play the winner of the #7/10 matchup between Martin Methodist (Tenn.) and Blue Mountain (Miss.) on Thursday March 1. Tip-Off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. (CST) and will be carried live on the SSAC Network.

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