Dalton State Opens Season With A Win

#6-ranked Dalton State opened the 2017-2018 Men's Basketball season with a win, defeating Carver (Ga.) College 94-76 on Monday night at Mashburn Arena.

THE FIRST HALF
The Roadrunners would waste no time, jumping out to a quick 7-0 lead in the first 1 1/2 minutes of the ballgame.

Carver would cut into the early lead with a few quick baskets to draw with three at 9-6. Dalton State would then go on a 19-0 run over the next six minutes to increase the lead to 28-6 mid way through the first period.

The Birds would keep their foot on the gas pedal, stretching the lead to as much as 24 after junior Sean Chisolm put down an easy lay up on an assist from Isaiah Box. The Cougars would cut into the lead slightly before the half, but the Roadrunner D would tighten up as Dalton State took a 51-34 lead into the break.

THE SECOND HALF
Dalton State would maintain a double-digit lead throughout the first 10 minutes of the second half. Carver would steadily try to work their way back into the game, cutting the deficit to seven at 70-63 with 8:36 remaining. The Roadrunners would grow the lead back to double-figures at 13 points with 6:58 left, but Carver continued to hang around.

An ensuing 7-0 run from the Cougars would trim the lead to six, the smallest margin since the opening minutes of the game, with 5:53 remaining. It would be at this point that Dalton State's experienced backcourt of Deshawn Ruffin, Reed Dungan, Benat Hevia, and Isaiah Box took over, spearheading an 18-6 run to put the game out of reach and solidify a 94-76 season opening victory.

THE REST OF THE STORY
Dalton State improves to (1-0 overall), while Carver drops to (0-1 overall) with the loss. Junior Sean Chisolm led all scorers with 38 points and nine rebounds in his Dalton State debut . Reed Dungan had 17 points, going 7-8 from the charity stripe on the night. Isaiah Box added 16 points to go along with eight assist, while Deshawn Ruffin was the fourth Roadrunner to score in double-figures with 13 points.

Saveyon Edwards led the Cougars with 25 points. Chris Iverson and Chris Deny added 14 and 12 points respectively. The Roadrunners held the edge on the boards, out rebounding Carver 39-32. Dalton State created 20 turnovers and held the Cougars to 37.5% shooting from the field in the win.

UP NEXT
The #6-ranked Roadrunners will be continue their three-game season opening home stand on Saturday, November 4, when they host Coastal Georgia at Mashburn Arena. Tip-Off is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.