MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner put away Dalton State early, via a 3-point explosion in the first five minutes, and cruised the rest of the way for the 84-69 home finale victory in Tine Davis Gymnasium Monday night. Before the visiting Roadrunners knew what hit them, Faulkner had five threes in as many possessions for a 15-4 lead, with three of them, and nine of the Eagles' next 13 points, by
C.J. Hines.
In just the third start of his young career, Hines racked up 18 points in the first half and 24 overall. It was his second-best game as an Eagle, behind his 28-point outing off the bench last month at Brewton-Parker.
Trace Hill and
Austin Rogers also got involved with threes in the opening sequence. Hines's first two-pointer followed, when
Garrett Sanderson tipped the ball to him following a miss. After two Roadrunner scores, Sanderson stole the ball for an easy layup. Dalton State then pulled to within five points, but Hines answered with a steal and contested bucket, a one-handed floater, and his fourth three for good measure to end his first-half run. These baskets started a 22-6 first-half run that effectively ended the visitors' chances.
Dalton State outrebounded the Eagles 36-28, and won points in the paint 40-24. However, they committed 16 turnovers to Faulkner's 10, and the latter registered 17 points off of the miscues. Both teams had almost equal shooting percentages, and both shot over 50 percent in the first half. However, Faulkner was 40 percent from long-range, compared to the Roadrunners' 26.7 percent.
Hines was one of four in double figures tonight. Hill scored 14 points and seven boards.
Daniel Garmendia also had 14, with four rebounds. Sanderson chipped in 10 points and seven assists.
Marquel Wiggins led the Roadrunners with 15 points and seven rebounds. Antares Gwyn collected 15 points and seven more boards, and C.J. Perry added 10 points.
Brandon Reeves, the lone senior leaving the team after this season, was recognized before the game. Having played his first two seasons at Harding, he has tallied 357 points, 224 rebounds, and 58 blocks throughout his college career.
The two teams play again Tuesday night in Dalton, Ga. Faulkner (21-2) now has four straight wins over the Roadrunners, and can pull off its first season sweep of Dalton State with another.
