Dalton State Roadrunners Keep Streak Alive With Late Comeback

Sunday, January 22, 2017
Erik Simpson

The Roadrunners trialed throughout most of the game, but a blazing comeback in the second half kept their win streak alive as #6 Dalton State defeated Coastal Georgia, 79-70 at Mashburn Arena on Saturday.

THE FIRST HALF
The Mariners brought the intensity early and opened an early 13-9 lead with 13:32left.

The Roadrunners would close the gap and take the lead, 23-21 on a three by Reed Dungan with 7:38 left. The lead wouldn't last as the Mariners would find their stride to go on a 13-0 run that would put Coastal Georgia ahead by 11 points at 34-23 with 1:22left. Dalton State would manage to shrink the gap to 5 before the end of the half at 34-29.

THE SECOND HALF
The second half would go back and forth between both teams as they stayed on even footing at 40-39 with 14:43 left. The Roadrunners continued to press the Mariners, but were unable to stop Coastal Georgia's offense as they grew their lead to 9 points at 58-49 on a field goal by Brandon Martin with 8:03 left. The Roadrunners seemed to struggle to find their stride until a lightning quick 11-2 run would tie the game at 62-62 with 5:52 left. Dalton State would go on to make key defensive stops and hit clutch free throws to win the game 79-70.

THE REST OF THE STORY
The #6 Roadrunners improve to 17-1 overall, 9-1 in the SSAC with. Dalton State also keeps their win streak alive at 12 straight games. Carnilious Simmons led the Roadrunners with a double-double, 25 points and 15 rebounds. Reed Dungan followed with 24 points and went 9-10 from the free throw line. Isaiah Box was the third Roadrunner in double-figures with 13 points.

Coastal Georgia fall to 3-16 overall, 0-10 in the SSAC with the loss. Brandon Martin led the Mariners with a strong performance of 25 points and went 5-6 from the three. Jonathan Canada was the second Mariner in double-figures with 11 points. Landon Sarazine followed with a contribution of 12 rebounds.

The Roadrunners season continues on the road as they travel to Alabama to face #22 Faulkner University on Saturday, January 28th, at 4:00 p.m (EST).