DALTON, Ga. – The Life University men's basketball team fell to Dalton State in a tough SSAC matchup, losing 97-89 in a winner-take-all regular season finale. Despite a second-half surge, the Running Eagles couldn't overcome the Roadrunners' efficient shooting and ball movement.

Dalton State set the tone early, taking a commanding 47-32 lead into halftime. The Roadrunners were red-hot from the field, shooting 57.4% overall (35-of-61) and 41.9% from beyond the arc (13-of-31). Their ball movement created open looks, leading to 20 assists as five different players contributed multiple three-pointers.

The Running Eagles responded with a strong second half, scoring 57 points, but defensive struggles kept them from completing the comeback. The Running Eagles finished the game shooting 43.3% (29-of-67) from the field and struggled from deep, making just 8 of 29 three-point attempts (27.6%). Late free-throw shooting was solid at 74.2% (23-of-31), keeping the Running Eagles in the game late.

Dara Olonade led Life U with 25 points and 5 rebounds, while Chaze Harris contributed 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists despite fouling out. Srdjan Popovich came alive in the second half, scoring all 13 of his points after intermission. Tyreke Johnson added 9 points and 4 rebounds, and Matija Gledic provided a spark off the bench with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting from three.

Defensively, Life U forced nine steals but had trouble containing Dalton State's offense. The Roadrunners maintained a slight rebounding edge (32-31) and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 19 points off Life U's 13 giveaways. Second-chance points were limited, as Dalton State held a slight edge in that category.

Life University now stands at 22-6 (14-4 SSAC) as Dalton State improves to 23-5 (15-3 SSAC) and claims the SSAC Regular Season Title. 

Up next, the Running Eagles hit the road for the conference tournament facing William Carey on Thursday at 11:45 am.