Dalton State had five players score in double-figures, led by All-American Carnilious Simmons with 19 in a 81-70 win over #7-seed Martin Methodist (Tenn.) in the second round of the SSAC Championships at Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery, Ala. on Thursday afternoon.
The first half would start as a back and forth affair with both teams looking to gain momentum. Dalton State would finally take it at the 12:46 mark with a 10-0 run on the back of two Isaiah Box three's to take a 19-11 lead.
With Reed Dungan and Carnilious Simmons in early foul trouble, it would be up to their teammates to pick up the slack.
Ty Pendley and Benat Hevia would answer the call, combining for 20 big points as the Roadrunners extended their lead to 12 points and ending the half in front, 39-27.
Out of the half, the Roadrunners would put in two quick baskets and get the lead to 14 points. They would keep the RedHawks at bay for much of the half, maintaining a double-digit advantage.
Martin Methodist would battle back and cut the lead to three with 10 minutes remaining, but a quick 10-1 run over the next two minutes would see Dalton State stretch the lead back out to 12 points. Down the stretch, the Roadrunners would match the RedHawks on baskets and hit their shots from the charity stripe as they hung on for the 81-70 victory.
#16 Dalton State improves to (23-7 overall, 14-4 SSAC) on the season with the win, while Martin Methodist (Tenn.) falls to (9-22 overall, 7-11 SSAC) with the loss. Carnilious Simmons led the Roadrunners with 19 points and seven rebounds. Ty Pendley added 16 points including two three-pointers. Benat Hevia notched 13 points and eight rebounds, while Reed Dungan and Aaron Burress netted 10 points each.
Patrick Murphy led the RedHawks with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Will Smith and Jameereo Spain had 12 points a piece.
The #16 Roadrunners will advance to the semifinals where they will meet #3-seed Loyola (La.), who was an 81-70 winner over Middle Georgia State earlier in the day. Tip-Off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (CST) on Friday, March 2 at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery, Ala.