Dalton State Basketball Gets Win In Tournament Opener At Life University

Saturday, November 18, 2017

MARIETTA, Ga. - Dalton State closed strong with a 12-2 run to come away with a 78-74 win over Talladega (Ala.) in the first game of the Running Eagle Classic at The Eagles Nest at Life University on Friday night in Marietta, Ga.

The game started with both teams trading the early lead.

Dalton State went up by six after a Benat Hevia three with 15:32 remaining in the first half. The Tornadoes battled back, going on a 14-0 run to take the lead by eight with 10:41 left. The Roadrunners bounced right back to tie the game for the fourth time in the half at 20-20 after two Reed Dungan free throws. Both teams traded the lead six more times in the half, but two late first half free throws by Ty Pendley sent the Roadrunners into the break with a 38-35 lead.

Dalton State held a slim lead for much of the second half, surrendering it for the first time at the 11:32 mark after a field goal by Devonte Dixon put Talladega up 63-62. Both teams battled tough for momentum and Talladega grabed it, going up 72-66 with 4:39 left, but the Roadrunners refused to go away. A Reed Dungan three on the very next possession ignited a 12-2 run to close out the game and carry Dalton State to the 78-74 win.

Dalton State improves to (3-1 overall) on the season, while Talladega (Ala.) falls to (5-2 overall). The game was a be a battle, featuring 13 ties and 17 lead changes. Reed Dungan led Dalton State with 19 points. Sean Chislom added 14 points and seven rebounds. Raheem England and Aaron Burress stepped up big with 12 and 11 points respectively. The Roadrunners were out-rebounded 35-27 on the evening, but overcame the deficit by shooting 51.9% from the field.

The Tornadoes were led on the evening by Devonte Dixon's 24 points. Deangelo Anthony added 22 points, with Traevis Graham chipping in with 10 points. Talladega was held to 44.4% shooting percentage from the field and committed 18 turnovers.

The #6-ranked Roadrunners will have a short rest as they play again Saturday. They will face Carver College on the final day of the Running Eagle Classic from The Eagles Nest at Life University. Tip-Off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.