Life University Athletics

NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 73, Dalton State 67
Records: Life U, 5-0 (1-0 SSAC); Dalton State, 3-2 (0-1 SSAC)

DALTON, Ga. – The Life University men's basketball team improved to 5-0 on the season, picking up its first SSAC win with a victory over the Roadrunners of Dalton State on Thursday night. The defense was on full display for the Running Eagles, holding the home squad to just 22 points in the first half.

Both defenses opened the contest strong, with Life U being the first team to double-digits at the 14:07 mark. From there, the Running Eagles went on a 10-2 run, taking the first big lead of the night, 20-10. Maurice Wright pushed the lead to as many as 15 with a three-pointer late in the half. Both teams traded buckets and free throws late in the half as the Roadrunners fought to keep the contest in reach. However, the Life U defense forced 7 turnovers and 17 missed three-pointers in the frame, holding Dalton State to 22 points. 

On the offensive end, Tanner Pate led the scoring attack and was the only player to reach double figures in the half with 11. 

Early in the second, Dalton State cut the 12-point lead down to five with a 7-0 run to start. Wright added back-to-back buckets for his side before Triston Conger put the lead back to double-digits midway through the half. Taking full control, Conger and company pushed the lead to as many as 20 with 09:50 left in the contest.

The Roadrunners refused to go quietly, battling for the remaining minutes. Though the home squad fought to keep pace, six points is as close as the contest would get and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch sealed the contest. Life U improves to 5-0 on the season with the 73-67 win on the road.

Up next, the Running Eagles play a non-counting contest against NCAA Division I opponent Austin Peay State before returning home for SSAC action against Andrew on Thursday, November 19.