The Roadrunners returned to Bandy Gymnasium to play against Loyola (La.) on Thursday and came out victorious 77-74.
Bandy Gymnasium, which hasn't seen a basketball game in over 40 years, was packed as the Roadrunners played against the visiting Wolfpack.
Dalton State came out fighting and gained a comfy lead 18-7 with
11:25 left. The Roadrunners continued to excel on the court and gained 13 points to strengthen their lead 31-17 with
6:52 left. The crowd roared as the Roadrunners, once again, proved themselves to be no pushover. As the first half winded down, Loyola fought hard to push Dalton State's lead back. The impressive shooting of Loyola's Nick Parker helped them close the gap and the first half ended with the Roadrunners leading 36-31.
The second half opened with the roars of an electrified crowd as the Roadrunners hit the court. Students, faculty, and community members looked on as Dalton State's Sayvon Williams fought to keep the lead 42-36 with 16:47 left. Tensions rose as Loyola ignited their offense and tied the game 45-45 with impressive 3 pt. shots made by Tre'Von Jasmine. Both teams battled and struggled to gain the lead and once again tied the game 55-55 with 8:57 left. With less than ten minutes left on the clock, Bandy surged to life with the crowd cheering on the Roadrunners. Tension intensified as the Wolf Pack gained the lead 62-59 with 6:12 left, but the Roadrunners made sure it was short lived. Spectators boomed as Dalton State's Mike Harden and Mon'Darius Black gained the lead back 70-67 with 1:44 left. The game ended with the Roadrunners defeating Loyola 77-74 and was a testimony to Bandy Gymnasium, also known as "Death Valley, GA 30720".
This was the first of two games that are being held at Bandy Gymnasium and it has offered students a new atmosphere. Dalton State student Diego Alvarado had been looking forward to the game and was surprised to witness such excitement, "The energy was much more intense than at Mashburn Arena, being so close meant there was a constant buzz of excitement. I wouldn't mind future games being held here."
The Roadrunners improve to 19-1 overall, 11-1 in the SSAC, with the win. Dalton State keeps its win streak alive at 14 straight games and continues its journey to the championship. Dalton State had four players score double figures with Mike Harden leading the team with 24 points. Isaiah Box followed with 16 points, and Carnilious Simmons and Sayvon Williams with 10 points each.
The Roadrunners will once again play at Bandy Gymnasium against the University of Mobile (Ala.) on Saturday, February 4th, at 4:00 p.m.