Box Score
DALTON, Ga. – Dalton State stepped out of conference and got a big win in the process, defeating Voorhees (S.C.) 90-77 at Bandy Gym on Monday night for their sixth win of the season.
 
THE FIRST HALF

• It was all Matt Compas and Franklin Almonte early as they shot the Roadrunners out to an early 13-2 lead just under 3 minutes in.
• Voorhees battled back, but three-pointers from Ellis Lee, Harrison Eghan, and Kawasiki Ricks kept the lead in double-digits at 13 points (26-13) just past the halfway mark of the first half.
• Dalton State continued to extend the lead with Allon Johnson, Carterius Evans, and Qualen Pettus getting in on the act as the score stood at 41-20 with 4:36 remaining in the half.
• Tiger Omari Bryson knocked down a three to kickstart a 10-2 run to cut the DS lead to 14 points (46-32) before Almonte threw down a dunk before the buzzer as the Birds carried a 48-32 lead into halftime.

THE SECOND HALF

• As the lead maintained, Donavan Miller reeled off 5 consecutive points to get the lead back to 22 points (63-41) with 13:44 left in the game.
• With the score 70-50 and the Roadrunners seemingly in control, the Tigers found some momentum in the form of a 12-0 run to make it an 8-point game with 8:07 remaining.
• Ricks answered soon after with a trey to get the lead back to 11 points (73-62).
• Big buckets from Lee, Compas, and Antonio Lewis continued to hold Voorhees at bay as DS held an 86-71 lead with just over 2 minutes left.
• Key defensive stops helped the Birds as time wound down on a 90-77 win.

THE REST OF THE STORY
Dalton State (Ga.) improves to (6-4 overall) with the win, while Voorhees (S.C.) falls to (3-8 overall) with the loss. Matt Compas led the Roadrunners and all scorers with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Franklin Almonte had 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks, as Harrison Eghan posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double.
 
Julius Phillips led Voorhees in the losing effort with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Keshawn Evans had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Willoughby added 14 points. Dayreontae Foster also had 14 points and brought down 6 rebounds.

BY THE NUMBERS
The game was played in the paint, and it showed as the teams combined for 94 points. Dalton State held the edge, 50-44. DS snagged more rebounds, 33-28, and got more points from the bench, 31-11. The Roadrunners shot over 50% from the floor in both the first and second half and 54.3% (38-of-70) overall for the game. Foul shooting also continues to improve as the Birds shot 75% (6-of-8) from the charity stripe.

UP NEXT
Dalton State gets a long break for finals before they hit the hardwood again on Saturday, December 16, to take on in-state rival Life (Ga.). Tip-Off from Bandy Gym is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.
 
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