Dalton State Roadrunners Take Campbellsville 66-63

  • Tuesday, November 24, 2015
  • Bob Beavers
Marcel Hawkins (#23) and Jordan Bowling each hit double doubles in Dalton State's win over Campbellsville Tuesday night at Mashburn Arena
Marcel Hawkins (#23) and Jordan Bowling each hit double doubles in Dalton State's win over Campbellsville Tuesday night at Mashburn Arena

The Dalton State Basketball Roadrunners extended their win streak to five on Tuesday night as they knocked-off Campbellsville (KY) 66-63 at Mashburn Arena.

The Roadrunners have been on a roll since they lost to the Tigers back on Halloween afternoon.

Dalton State Coach Tony Ingle said it was a debt paid. “The good book says not to believe in revenge, but to pay your debts,” said Coach Ingle. “We owed them one because they beat us up at their place, but we felt very fortunate to come out with a victory tonight.

Our players really competed. They showed a lot of composure and everyone pitched in. We had big baskets… big 3’s and 2’s and foul shots. Our defense was unbelievable.”

It was a defensive struggle. Dalton State hit just 23 of 64 field goals (35.9%) and only 12 of 23 free throws (52.2%). Campbellsville connected on 25 of 62 from the field, but only hit five of 11 fouls shots the entire game. “Defense is the heart and soul of our program and the guys really stepped up,” Ingle said.

The Roadrunners started the game with a seven point run on buckets in the paint by Marcel Hawkins and Corey McDonald and a three by Jordan Bowling. The Tigers quickly went up 9-7 with consecutive three point shots by Elliott Young, Tyler Hagen and Sekou Harris.

Dalton State found momentum and pulled away to an 11 point lead at 26-15, but Campbellsville came back to trail by just two points (33-31) at the break.  The Roadrunners came out strong in the second half and led 50-38 when McDonald hit a three and a couple of shots in the paint.

A Zach Perry shot from beyond the arch completed a Tiger comeback that gave them a 54-53 lead with 4:45 left in the contest. Corey McDonald hit a trey with 3:28 left that put the Roadrunners up 59-56. The lead was extended to six on a Jordan Bowling shot with 1:12 remaining, but Campbellsville was still in the game.

Deshawn Ruffin missed a free throw with 11 second remaining, but went to the line with nine second on the clock to hit two clutch shots and give Dalton State a five point lead. Tyler Hagen drew the Tigers to within two with a three pointer with four seconds left.

Campbellsville had to foul again and Burrey hit one of two to give the Roadrunners the 66-63 victory.

Ingle praised Ruffin for his play with an injury. He finished with 11 points including 4 of 6 from the free-throw line. “Deshawn had turned his ankle, but he finished the game,” said Ingle. “I think that affected him on his foul shots. We’re not making excuses, but there are reasons, but boy did he hit them when we really needed them and secured the victory for us.”

Corey McDonald had a game high 19 points. Jordan Bowling had his fifth double-double of the season with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Marcel Hawkins secured his second double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. Dalton State won the rebound battle 42-39.

“They couldn’t stop Marcel so they had to go to a zone,” said Ingle. “When they went to a zone, lights out. I couldn’t say enough about Jordan Bowling. His leadership, his tenacity.”

Guard Ronald Scott led Tiger scorers with 14 points. Zach Perry scored 11. Sekou Harris added ten. Dii’jon Allen-Jordan led Campbellsville in rebounds with 10.

Dalton State (5-2 overall, 2-0 SSAC) will host Morris College Monday at 7:00 p.m. 

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