MARIETTA, Ga. – In a thrilling matchup of two Top 10 teams, No. 9 Life U (5-2) handed No. 6 Dalton State (4-2) their second loss of the season in a 72-71 overtime affair.
 
"This was a huge win for us, for a number of reasons," Head Coach Keith Adkins said. "Obviously, getting a win against a team ranked in the top 10 is big, but I am even more excited about what this could do for our confidence. I think this team is finally figuring out what it takes to be successful. Overall, it is another step for us in the right direction."
 
Senior Zach Landis had one of the best games of his career with an eye-popping double-double, putting up 18 points and pulling down 17 rebounds with to five assists and a steal. Senior Ivan Benkovic also had a good night with 13 points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal. Junior Malik Pugh also contributed 10 points, three rebounds and a steal.
 
In a tale of two different halves, Life U opened with its only lead of the first half at 7-2. However, Dalton State responded quickly and took their first lead at 11-10. They would hold the advantage for the remainder of the period and run the lead out to 13 points at its height at 27-14 with just over six minutes left. The Running Eagles battled to cut the lead, but the Roadrunners took a 38-30 lead into the intermission.
 
While Life U never held a lead in the second half, they outscored Dalton State 32-24. The Running Eagles managed to keep the Roadrunners within a single possession for the majority of the second half though. The most crucial moments of the game came down the stretch with under a minute left when a layup by junior David Scott cut the lead to three with 38 seconds remaining. A defensive turnover and steal by Benkovic set up the big man to a draw a foul on a made layup and a chance to tie the game with 15 seconds left with a free throw, which he drained. Neither team was able to get a shot off in the closing moments of regulation with a turnover apiece, forcing overtime.
 
Overtime was incredibly volatile with nine lead changes and tie. It was in these five minutes where Landis put the team on his back, shooting 5-for-7 from the field and pulling down three crucial defensive rebounds. Life U came out on top in the shootout with the 72-71 victory.
 
The Running Eagles are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 25 as they welcome Morris College to the Eagles' Nest for a post-Thanksgiving matchup.