PULASKI, Tenn. – UT Southern was unable to slow Dalton State's pace Thursday night, falling 83–71 at the Curry Athletic Complex as the visitors used fast-break scoring and points off turnovers to pull away late. The Firehawks battled throughout and cut into the deficit multiple times, but Dalton State answered each run down the stretch.
UT Southern opened the game with energy, striking first behind an Antonio Cochran jumper and a fast-break finish to keep the contest tight in the early minutes. Jack Harper quickly found his rhythm from the perimeter, knocking down a pair of early three-pointers as the Firehawks briefly held the lead midway through the first half. Dalton State responded with a run fueled by transition baskets, but UT Southern stayed within reach as Cochran scored inside and Daniel Reyes finished in the paint off ball movement.
The Firehawks continued to answer in the first half, with Harper connecting on another three and Cochran adding a pull-up jumper to trim the margin to a single possession. Dalton State closed the half with a late surge, however, and UT Southern went into the break trailing 46–38 despite strong perimeter shooting in the opening period.
UT Southern came out of halftime looking to swing momentum. Harper opened the second half with a bucket, and Cochran followed with a three-pointer to cut the deficit to five. De'Marreon Baldwin attacked the rim and converted through contact during a key stretch, and JaMil Wilson added an interior basket as the Firehawks kept pressure on Dalton State.
Each time UT Southern made a push, Dalton State responded with fast-break opportunities. Still, the Firehawks continued to compete, as Cochran scored on a strong finish inside and Harper added another bucket to keep the margin within single digits with under six minutes to play. Late turnovers proved costly, though, as Dalton State capitalized in transition to create separation in the final minutes.
UT Southern closed the game with baskets from Baldwin at the free-throw line and Reyes in the paint, but the deficit was too much to overcome as time expired.
Harper led UT Southern with 20 points, knocking down six three-pointers while also pulling down nine rebounds. Cochran followed with 19 points on efficient shooting, adding five rebounds and two steals. Baldwin finished with 11 points and four rebounds, while Reyes chipped in eight points and provided interior defense. Eric Robinson added four assists and steady backcourt play, and Wilson contributed five points off the bench.
UT Southern returns to action on Saturday, February 7, hosting Life University at the Curry Athletic Complex.
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