Blue Mountain, MS – Jamaine Burrey score 20 of his game-high 23 points in the second half to lead (6) Dalton State basketball to a come from behind 66-62 victory over Blue Mountain College.
The Roadrunners had led at intermission by two, 32-30. The Toppers went on a 17-5 run to start the second half and take ten-point lead at 47-37. Dalton State came back to take the lead at 56-55. The game was close the rest of the way, but the Roadrunners kept the lead the remainder of the way.
“Our team showed a lot of composure and competitive spirit tonight,” said Dalton State Coach Tony Ingle.
“Coming from 10 points behind in the second half and ending up with a four point victory. Jamaine really played with confidence and hit huge baskets. Sean Tate came back in after taking an elbow to the nose and orchestrated our charge.”
Burrey hit 5/9 from three-point range. Tate finished the night with 16 points including 4/9 from beyond the arc and 2/4 from the foul line. Ladaris Green had seven points and five rebound. Jordan Bowling had six points and six rebounds. Anthony Hilliard scored seven and Preston Earle five.
With the win, Dalton State extends their win streak to six. The Roadrunners were out rebounded 33/25. The Toppers were also more successful at the foul line with an 83.33% completion rate (15 of 18) to Dalton’s 70% (7 of 10).
Shane Butler led Blue Mountain with 18 points. C. J. Barnes scored nine and Stefan Vukovic had 11 points and seven rebounds.
Dalton State (23-3, 13-2 SSAC) now heads to McKenzie, TN to tip-off against the no. 22 Bethel University Wildcats (20-7, 10-5 SSAC) Saturday at 6:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. CT). Bethel defeated the Roadrunners 56-53 to spoil homecoming back on Jan. 31. The Wildcats were defeated Thursday night by No. 13 Martin Methodist, 102-93.
Thursday Night NAIA Basketball Scores:
(6) Dalton State 66, Blue Mountain 62
(13) Martin Methodist 102, (22) Bethel 93
Auburn Montgomery 85, Coastal Georgia 77
Faulkner 91, Brewton-Parker 55
Mobile 69, Loyola (LA) 60
(RC) William Carey 65, Belhaven 63