MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The University of Tennessee Southern men's basketball team returned to the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl in the SSAC Quarterfinals facing #18 Dalton State on Thursday. UTS fell short for keeping the season alive falling 86-75. UTS closes out the season at 13-15 on the year.
Two Firehawks marked the score book in double figures. Zaiden Cross led all scorers with 35 points. Cross' performance broke the SSAC single game scoring record, previously held by Bethel's Gary Pollard set in 2014. Mark Vance added 15 points and six boards.
UT Southern fell behind early, trailing 11-4 in the opening five minutes. UTS charged back to trail 15-14 with 11 minutes to go. The Firehawks had a couple of chances to take the lead but couldn't get the shots to fall. Dalton would take control of the remainder of the half to lead 34-21 at the half. UTS shot 8-28 (29%) in the opening 20 minutes and only made two threes. Cross led the scoring in the half netting seven points.
In the final half, the Firehawks got as close at five points, but couldn't draw any closer. Cross drained six trifectas in the half netting his final 28 points. Vance also contributed his final 11. The Firehawks shot 19-35 for 54 percent and a blistering 7-15 (47%) from deep.
BY THE NUMBERS
42.9 – UTS shot 27 of 63 for 42.9 percent, five percent worse than the Roadrunners.
9 – UTS connected on nine trifectas, one less than DSC.
12 – UTS made 16 trips to the charity stripe, making 12. DSC made 24 trips making 18.
36 – UT Southern pulled down 36 rebounds, two less than the Roadrunners.
34 – UTS scored 34 points in the paint, two more than DSC.
7 – UTS forced seven turnovers by DSC, committing 10.
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