DALTON, Ga. – UT Southern delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Thursday night, outlasting Dalton State College 91–85 in overtime at Bandy Gym behind balanced scoring, timely shot-making, and poise in the extra period.
The Firehawks faced an early uphill climb as Dalton State opened the game with momentum, but UT Southern stayed connected behind steady offensive execution. Jack Harper jump-started the Firehawks with an early three-pointer, and Daniel Reyes provided energy inside with strong finishes around the rim. De'Marreon Baldwin began asserting himself midway through the half, attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line to keep UT Southern within striking distance.
Despite several defensive stops late in the half, UT Southern trailed 42–33 at the break after Dalton State capitalized from the perimeter. The Firehawks regrouped at halftime and came out aggressive on both ends to open the second half.
UT Southern steadily chipped away at the deficit as Baldwin took over offensively, scoring repeatedly in the paint and on the break. Antonio Cochran knocked down a three-pointer to give the Firehawks their first lead of the second half, and Eric Robinson added a driving layup moments later as momentum swung. Mike Bell, Jr. delivered timely baskets and free throws during a key stretch, helping UT Southern erase the halftime deficit and tie the game at 55.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch, with neither side able to create separation. Cochran buried a clutch three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to tie the game at 71, forcing overtime after a defensive stand in the final seconds.
UT Southern seized control in the extra period. Bell, Jr. opened overtime with a three-pointer, and Cochran followed with another from deep to extend the lead. JaMil Wilson provided a crucial bucket inside, while Robinson and Bell, Jr. combined to go 8-for-10 at the free-throw line in overtime to close the door. The Firehawks outscored Dalton State 20–14 in the extra frame to secure the road victory.
Baldwin led UT Southern with a game-high 26 points, scoring consistently throughout the second half and overtime. Bell, Jr. finished with 18 points, including several clutch shots late. Cochran added 16 points, connecting on four three-pointers, while Robinson contributed nine points, five assists, and key free throws down the stretch. Reyes anchored the interior with 10 rebounds to go along with six points.
UT Southern will remain on the road, traveling to Marietta, Ga., for a Saturday matchup against Life University.
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