Dalton, Ga. – Wrapping up a season-opening stretch of four-straight opponents that advanced to the 2026 NAIA National Championship on Saturday afternoon, the St. Thomas University Men's Soccer team pulled head of host Dalton State midway through the first half and kept the lead for the rest of the contest for a 84-74 victory.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: St. Thomas 84, Dalton State 74
Record: St. Thomas (3-1) Dalton State (3-1)
All-Time Series: STU leads 1-0
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Bobcats responded to a 4-0 start by the host with six of the ensuing seven points to take a 6-5 lead, splitting the ensuing 16 points to maintain the one-point separation at 14-13 before six-straight points for St. Thomas made it 19-13 with 10:32 left in the half.
- STU held Dalton State without a run of consecutive points for the rest of the half, heading into the break leading 39-19.
- The Roadrunner rallied in the second half to get within single digits midway through the frame at 53-45 before an 8-0 STU run made it 61-45 with 8:46 left to play.
- The Bobcats pushed the lead back up to 19 at 68-49, fending off a comeback effort by the host that got them within six at 78-72 with 29 seconds left to play.
NOTEWORTHY:
- Reigning NAIA Hoops MVP of the Week Zyier Beverly scored a game-high 25 points, the third time in four games he's eclipsed 20 points, on 6-12 shooting from the field and 13-17 from the free throw line.
- Brandon Moore added 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
- Nigle Cook chipped in 17 points, six rebounds and five blocks.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Bobcats went 27-57 from the field, 6-21from beyond the arc and 24-38 from the free throw line. Dalton State went 29-76 from the field, 6-24 from distance and 10-25 from the free throw line.
- St. Thomas recorded 19 assists while the host tallied 11.
- St. Thomas forced 13 turnovers, resulting in 17 points, DSU scored 16 points off 14 STU turnovers.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats welcome Florida College for their 2026 home opener on Thursday, Nov. 12 with tip-off set for 12:30 pm.
