The Roadrunners fought hard, but were unable to stop the explosive offense of Bethel (Tenn.) as they defeated Dalton State 102-89 at Crisp Arena on Saturday.
THE FIRST HALF
The Wildcats came out the gates hot at the beginning of the game.
A three-pointer by Andrew Rogan would give Bethel an early 10-point lead at 20-10 with
14:37 left. The Wildcats would widen the lead to 16 points at 30-14 with
10:28 left, but the Roadrunners would respond with a 9-0 run to shrink the gap to 5 points at 30-25 with
6:31 left. The Roadrunners would continue to trial through the half as the Wildcats would regain their momentum, and Bethel would go into the break ahead, 44-37.
THE SECOND HALF
The Roadrunners offense began to find its groove in the second half, and a good field goal by Reed Dungan would keep Dalton State competitive at 49-43 with 16:53 left. The Wildcats would respond with a blitzing 12-2 run that would put Bethel ahead by 16 points, 61-45 with 12:29 left. Dalton State would shrink the gap to 8 points at 74-66 with a three by Reed Dungan with7:26 left. The Roadrunners would continue to fight for a comeback, but a commanding Wildcat offense would continue to stack the scoreboard for a win over Dalton State, 102-89.
THE REST OF THE STORY
The Roadrunners fall to 20-3 overall, 12-3 in the SSAC with the loss. Dalton State was led by Reed Dungan with an impressive 27 points. Isaiah Box followed with 21 points, and Carnilious Simmons was the third Roadrunner scorer in double-figures with 17 points.
The Wildcats improve to 18-8 overall, 9-7 in the SSAC with the win. Bethel was led with a dominant performance by Andrew Rogan with 32 points. Issac Edmondson followed with 24 points and went 16-21 from the free throw line. Justice Scott and David Fraser rounded the scoreboard with 18 and 10 points respectfully.
The Wildcats outscored the Roadrunner in the paint 52-38, and from the bench 42-22.
The Roadrunners season continues at home against Middle Georgia State onThursday, February 16, at Mashburn Arena.