Dalton State Snags Road Win At Loyola

Friday, January 19, 2018
Erik Simpson

#13 Dalton State collected a huge conference road win, defeating Loyola (La.) 78-75 at The Den in New Orleans on Thursday night.

The Roadrunners would find themselves trailing early as Loyola would build a six point lead at 14-8 six minutes into the game. Dalton State would battle back, going on a 21-7 run mid-way through the first half capped by a Benat Hevia three, to take a 29-21 lead. It would be short lived as the Wolfpack closed on a 20-7 spurt of their own to take a five point lead, 41-36, going into the break.

Dalton State would pull even at 41-41, 2:20 into the second half and shortly after take the lead.

They would continue to hold the lead for much of the half until the 7:28 mark when a Nick Parker three capped an 11-4 Loyola run and tied the game at 63-63.

The game would feature four more ties down the stretch. All-American Carnilious Simmons would hit two key free throws with 26 seconds remaining to give the Roadrunners the lead for good at 76-74. Benat Hevia would head to the line after a missed Loyola shot and connect with two more free throws to put the Roadrunners up by four, 78-74. The Wolfpack would make a last second charge but it would be to no avail as Dalton State held on for the 78-75 win.

Dalton State improves to (14-4 overall, 7-1 SSAC) with the win, while Loyola (La.) falls to (9-7 overall, 5-2 SSAC) with the loss. Carnilious Simmons once again led the Dalton State effort with 20 points and nine rebounds. Reed Dungan followed with 19 points, while Benat Hevia and Raheem England finished with 13 and 12 points respectively giving Dalton State four players in double-figures. Isaiah Box added six assists on the evening, while Aaron Burress notched nine rebounds.

Loyola (La.) had three players score in double-figures led by Tre'Von Jasmine with 21 points. Nick Parker contributed with 16 points and seven assist, while Benjamin Fields recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.

Dalton State will continue their western road swing on Saturday, January 20, when they travel to Mobile, Ala. to take on the Mobile Rams. Tip-Off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (CST).