It was the type of hard fought game that you expect when two of the country’s top NAIA basketball program go at it. Defending SSAC champions William Carey (6-0 overall, 2-0 SSAC) and conference newcomer Dalton State (6-1 overall, 1-1 SSAC) played three overtimes before the Crusaders came out on top, 101-95.
William Carey scored the first four points of regulation, then jumped out to a ten point lead at 22-12 and 24-14. Dalton State came back to pull to within one at 39-38. The Crusaders scored a bucket to lead at the half, 41-38.
The hosts scored the first six points of the second half (47-38), but the Roadrunners came back to tie the game at 50.
Dalton’s only lead in regulation came at the 4:42 mark when Preston Earle made a bucket, was fouled, and made the free throw to give the Roadrunners a 59-58 lead. Dalton outscored Carey in the second half 26-23 and, after regulation, the teams were tied at 64.
Dalton had a brief five point lead (75-70) in the first overtime, but the Crusaders scored the final five points of the period. Each team managed ten in the second OT to end the period tied at 85. The Roadrunners managed a two point lead (89-87) in the final OT, but WCU then outscored DS 14-6 down the stretch for final six point margin.
William Carey earned the edge in rebounding (43-40), but Dalton State had more blocks (7-1) and steals (9-8). The Roadrunners shot 44% from the floor (33-75) while the Crusaders were 50% (35-70). Dalton connected on 19 of 23 free throws for an impressive 82.61% while Carey was 71.99% (23 – 32).
Dalton State’s Sean Tate had a game high 33 points including 12-12 from the foul line and 5-8 from beyond the arch. Tate also four rebounds. Preston Earle scored 19 points (3-3 from the foul line) and pulled down five rebounds. Ladaris Green again had a double-double. He had 18 points, a game high 17 rebounds and added four assists. Jordan Bowling scored 10 points and had five rebounds. Anthony Hilliard scored nine points.
“The teams played their hearts out,” said Dalton State coach Tony Ingle. “I was very proud of the way we gave ourselves a chance to win on several occasions. It was great to be in a very hostile environment and play as well as we did for 55 minutes.”
William Carey’s Deion Weeks scored 27 points (5-8 from three). Rashad Bickham had 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Roadrunners travel to New Orleans for another SSAC battle on Saturday. They take on Loyola at 5:00 p.m. CST (6:00 p.m. Eastern). “We are now concerned about our energy level for a 5 p.m. Saturday game in New Orleans after playing three overtimes,” added Ingle.
The next Dalton State home game at Mashburn Arena/Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center will be on Saturday, December 6th at 2 p.m. EST. The Roadrunners will host Hiwassee College.
William Carey is off until Monday when the Crusaders entertain #13 Xavier.
Elsewhere Friday night:
Loyola 85, Middle Georgia College 65
Brewton-Parker 87, Belhaven 85
Auburn Montgomery 63, Blue Mountain (Miss.) 53
Martin Methodist 103, Faulkner 97 (2 OT)
Bethel (TN) 66, Mobile 59