The #5 Dalton State Roadrunners ended their regular season strong with an 88-62 win against Coastal Georgia at Howard Coffin Gym on Saturday.
A LOOK BACK
The Mariners looked to hand the Roadrunners a loss as they led 34-29 at the end of the first half on January 21.
Dalton State trialed through most of the game and the outcome looked to be sealed as Coastal Georgia continued to make offensive breaks to maintain their lead, 58-49 with
8:03 left in the second half. The Roadrunners were not known as a comeback team, but showed their determination as they would flip the lead after a blitzing offensive push with 5 minutes left in the game. The Roadrunners would hit their shots from the line down the stretch and win the game, 79-70.
The Roadrunners were led by
Carnilious Simmons as he filled the stat sheet with a double-double of 25 points and 15 rebounds. Reed Dugan and
Isaiah Box each gave the team fuel for momentum with 24 and 13 points respectively. The Mariners were led in scoring by Brandon Martin as he went 5-6 from three towards a total of 25 points.
THE REMATCH
The Roadrunners came prepared to for the Mariners, and their efforts showed. Dalton State out-scored Coastal Georgia 41-27 in the first half with dominant play in the paint. The Mariners kept the pressure up, but were unable to pass the Roadrunners as they continued to trail. Dalton State looked to capitalize on the Mariners mistakes, and scored 26 points off turnovers compared to Coastal Georgia's 13 points. The Roadrunners kept up their focus through the second half, and held control of the paint with 54 points while the Mariners mustered 38. Dalton State would cruise down the stretch to win the game, 88-62.
THE REST OF THE STORY
Dalton State ends their regular season with a record of 23-4 overall, 15-4 in the SSAC. The Roadrunners were led by the continued strong play of
Carnilious Simmons with double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.
Sayvon Wilson led in scoring with 18 points, and
Mike Harden followed close behind with 16 points.
Reed Dungan was the fourth Roadrunner in double-figures with 12 points.
Coastal Georgia ends their regular season with a record of 4-25 overall, 1-19 in the SSAC. The Mariners were led by the solid showings of Haylen Washington and Jordan Lewis with 13 and 12 points respectively.
Dalton State will hit the court again on Thursday, March 2 in the SSAC Championships at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery, AL.