Dalton, Ga. – William Carey's impressive 14-game winning streak came to a halt Saturday afternoon, with the Crusaders dropping a 100–82 decision to Dalton State.
 
Carey opened the game with intense defensive pressure, forcing five early turnovers and turning them into quick points. Makeem Roberts put the Crusaders on the board with the game's first point at the free-throw line and later added two more free throws as WCU built a 14–6 lead five minutes in.
 
For the next eleven minutes, the Crusaders maintained their advantage, though Dalton State stayed close. With WCU up 35–31, the Roadrunners responded with a 9–2 run to move ahead by three.
 
Jamar Jenkins answered immediately, knocking down a three-pointer and then converting a jumper after forcing a turnover to swing the lead back to Carey. In the closing seconds of the half, Malik Franklin hit a jumper to send the Crusaders into the break with a 44–43 edge.
 
The second half opened as a back-and-forth shootout, with neither team leading by more than two until Dalton State surged ahead 58–52 with 14 minutes remaining.
 
Just as in the first half, the Crusaders responded quickly—this time with six straight points from Troy Dunn and Franklin to tie the game. The Roadrunners regained control, but Carey continued to stay within reach. Midway through the half, Miles Ceballos knocked down a three to extend DSC's lead to 66–61, then added another from deep at the seven-minute mark to push the margin to 73–64. That proved to be the separation Dalton State needed, as they continued to pull away down the stretch.
 
Malik Franklin led the Crusaders with 26 points, while Makeem Roberts added 19. Troy Dunn finished with 11 points, and Randarius Hughes anchored the effort on the boards with 10 rebounds.
 
WCU returns to action on Thursday, February 5, when they host Thomas University at Clinton Gym. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.