Montgomery, Al. – Points in the paint was a major difference again as the Dalton State basketball team fell on the road to Auburn-Montgomery, 81-70.
Dalton State never had the lead in the game. The Warhawks jumped out to a 16-0 advantage, but the Roadrunners came back to narrow the gap to one (31-30) with 2:32 before intermission. A Bobby Thompson jumper put AUM up 33-30 at the half.
The hosts went back up by seven (46-39), but Dalton State came back to within two points (54-52). AUM gradually pulled away for the 11-point victory.
Auburn Montgomery outscored Dalton State 40-22 in the paint. The Roadrunners (14-10, 6-7 SSAC)) outscored the opponents from beyond the arch again – 9 of 22 (40.9%) to AUM’s 6 of 18 (33.3%) but DS was out rebounded 42-32.
Five Dalton State players hit in double figures. Jordan Bowling had a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Marcel Hawkins had 16 points. Deshawn Ruffin had 14. Jamaine Burrey scored 11, had five rebounds, and three assists. Reed Dungan added 10 points and three assists.
Ramoane Eager of the Warhawks had a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds. Desmond DeRamus and Bobby Thompson each scored 16 points.
The Roadrunners will play Coastal Georgia in Brunswick on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Brewton-Parker in Mt. Vernon, Ga. on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 4:00 p.m.