Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

Dalton State College Athletics

Scoreboard

University logo
Men's Basketball-Qualen Pettus
81
Winner Dalton State (GA) DSC 24-8, 13-5
71
Shawnee State SSU 24-7, 15-1
Winner
Dalton State (GA) DSC
24-8, 13-5
81
Final
71
Shawnee State SSU
24-7, 15-1
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Dalton State (GA) DSC 42 39 81
Shawnee State SSU 32 39 71

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Erik Simpson, Sports Information Director

Pettus Pours In 32, Smith’s Double-Double Powers Dalton State Past Shawnee State (Ohio), 81–71


MARION, Ind. – Dalton State (24–8) closed on an 18–8 run to defeat Shawnee State (24–7), 81–71, in the First Round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship at Luckey Arena in Marion, Ind. on Friday night.
 
The Roadrunners were powered behind 32 points from Qualen Pettus and a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double by Omarion Smith. The Roadrunners shot 51.8% from the field and led 42–32 at the half before the Bears rallied to even the game at 61–61 and again at 63–63. Dalton State responded with timely free throws and three late Smith dunks to seal the result.
 
RECAP
FIRST HALF
After a cagey start, the Roadrunners flipped a 0–2 opening deficit into control with a 14–2 surge capped by Tyshan Kelley's right-wing three at the 10:04 mark for their largest lead of the half (24–12).

Dalton State shot 48.5% before the break and went 4-of-7 from deep, while Omarion Smith punctuated the half with a late three as the Roadrunners took a 42–32 advantage into the locker room.
 
SECOND HALF
Pettus got hot out of the break, adding two three pointers to an already strong first half, and Shawnee State countered behind El Sieger, Tyreon Payne and Jareon Mayo to pull even at 61–61 and again at 63–63 with 6:25 left.

From there, Dalton State slammed the door with an 18–8 closing kick: Smith sank four free throws, Pettus finished at the rim, and Smith hammered home three late dunks, the last with 35 seconds remaining, to seal it, 81–71.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Final: Dalton State (Ga.) 81, Shawnee State (Ohio) 71
  • Records: Dalton State (Ga.) 24–8; Shawnee State (Ohio) 24-7
  • Qualen Pettus: 32 points (12–21 FG), 4–6 3FG, 4–4 FT; team-high 3 steals
  • Omarion Smith: 25 points (9–12 FG, 7–8 FT), 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
  • Raylan Barrion: 7 points, team-high 4 assists, 5 rebounds  
  • Team shooting: 51.8% FG, 42.9% 3FG (6–14), 73.9% FT (17–23)
  • +2 on the glass (33–31); 44–40 points in the paint  
  • Possession game: 13 assists; 20 turnovers (21 points off); 14 fastbreak points
  • Bench/scoring runs: Bench 11 points (SSU 45); largest lead 12 at 10:04 of the first; ties 3, lead changes 3
  • DS 42–32 at half; second half even at 39–39
UP NEXT
Dalton State will play for a spot in the Round of 16 and a trip to Kansas City, Mo. against Indiana Wesleyan tomorrow, Saturday, March 14. Tip-Off from Luckey Arena in Marion, Ind. is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (ET).
 
DONATE TO THE ROADRUNNER CLUB TODAY! Dalton State student-athletes are successful in the classroom and on the field of play because of their support system. Become part of that support system and make an impact that affects a student-athletes life. Click here to make your impact!  
 
FIND NEWS AND FOLLOW THE BIRDS: News and updates from Dalton State's men's basketball team is posted on dsroadrunners.com and on X (@DStateBBall), Facebook (@DStateBasketball) and Instagram (dstatebball). Be sure to follow to keep pace with the Birds!
 
#BeepBeep
 
Print Friendly Version