DALTON, Ga. – The Martin Methodist Men's Basketball team rallied from a first-half hole, but could not complete the come-from-behind victory in a 75-69 loss at Dalton State (Ga.) Monday night.

The RedHawks (9-15, 6-12 SSAC) got off to a slow start and trailed the Roadrunners (16-10, 11-7 SSAC) by as many as 16 in the first half.

But a flurry of buckets saw the RedHawks claw their way back into the contest as they took a 36-35 halftime lead.

The second half saw the RedHawks push their lead to as many as three, but the home side began to find its offensive stride and eventually pushed the lead back to double-digits.

The RedHawks eventually trimmed the lead down to six, but ran out of time for one last-gasp comeback attempt.

The loss spoiled a strong effort from Dwayne Ward, who scored 19 points and tracked down 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double this season. Ward also blocked four shots in the monster performance down low.

Three other RedHawks finished in double-figures, as Javonte Cooper scored 12, while Isaiah Blacksmith and Jordan Olison finished with 11 each. Olison dished out a team-high four assists.

Randy Bell led the Roadrunners with 22 points. Sean Chislom scored 13 points and tracked down 10 rebounds for the double-double.

The contest marked the first of three road games this week for the RedHawks, who will travel to Brewton-Parker (Ga.) on Thursday and visit Florida College on Saturday.

Tipoff times are set for 6:30 p.m. (CT) on Thursday and 3 p.m. (CT) on Saturday.