NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 79, Dalton State 82
Records: Life U 12-5 (5-2 SSAC); Dalton State 10-5 (4-2 SSAC)

MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University men's basketball team lost a tight contest to the Roadrunners of Dalton State at home on Saturday afternoon. The game came down to the final buzzer, where the Running Eagles had a chance to force overtime. Matija Gledic had a stellar night, leading the team with 28 points and nine rebounds.

The contest opened slow, with the Roadrunners holding a narrow 10-4 lead at the first media timeout. The offense picked up minutes after as the Dalton State offense went on a 9-0 run midway through the first half. A dunk and three from Matija Gledic, followed by a Brashon Hall three, ended the run and pulled Life U within three with 09:14 left in the half.

The Running Eagles fought hard to pull back into the contest. A Chase James-Robinson three at the 02:03 mark pulled the contest within one, but the Roadrunners carried a six-point lead into the break.

The half time break did little favors to Life U as Dalton State came out hot in the second half. Pushing the lead to double-digits for the first time, the Roadrunners threatened to run away with the contest. However, a 10-2 run from the Running Eagles once again pulled the contest within two with 13 to play.

Following a Sergio Corta free throw, Life U took a 59-58 lead, marking the first lead of the half for the home squad. The Running Eagles offense stepped up in the ensuring minutes, claiming an eight-point lead with 09:09 left in the second. The Roadrunners refused to go quietly, grinding away at the deficit and tying to contest at 75-75 with 02:48 left to play.

The visitors clung to a narrow lead for the remaining minutes as the game came down to the final buzzer. Life U got a good look from three to tie the contest and force overtime but could not get the bucket to drop. The contest finished 82-79 in favor of the visitors.