MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Brewton-Parker Christian University Barons men's basketball team faced off against the Roadrunners of Dalton State College in the SSAC Semi-Finals on February 27, 2026, at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. Despite their best efforts, the Roadrunners edged out the Barons, 82-74.

Brewton-Parker battled through a back-and-forth first half that featured multiple lead changes. Bobby Blackwell's early dunk off a feed from Tommy  Tisdale III helped the Barons grab an early 4–2 edge, and a 3-pointer from Gil Gonzalez at the 13:07 mark gave Brewton-Parker a 13–12 lead as the teams traded baskets. Dalton State edged in front by halftime, 36–35, but the Barons closed the period with momentum when Jadon Melvin drove for a layup at the buzzer to keep the deficit at a single point.

After playing virtually even for 20 minutes, Dalton State opened the second half with a 3-pointer from Ja'Ron Briggs and outscored Brewton-Parker 46–39 over the final frame to create the decisive separation. The Barons stayed within striking distance late and trimmed the deficit to 78–74 on a clutch 3-pointer from Jayden Hill with 34 seconds remaining, but Dalton State converted at the free-throw line in the closing moments to secure the neutral-site win.

The Barons continued to generate chances with defensive pressure and timely scoring. Hill's late 3-pointer cut the gap to four and kept Brewton-Parker within one possession of tying the game with under a minute to go. However, Dalton State's Omarion Smith, who was a force inside all afternoon, calmly knocked down two free throws with nine seconds left to push the lead to 82–74 and effectively seal the outcome.
 

Gonzalez turned in one of the most complete efforts of the day for Brewton-Parker, finishing with 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds,  adding five steals and a block to help energize the Barons on both ends. Abraham Garjah led Brewton-Parker in scoring with 16 points, attacking the rim and going a perfect 6-for-6 at the free-throw stripe while handing out two assists before fouling out. The Barons' biggest struggle throughout the game was their perimeter shooting, going only 2-13 on the day, while the Roadrunners went 7-19 from beyond the arc. The Barons' struggles and the Roadrunners' success from beyond the arc proved to be the difference maker. 
 

Head Coach Leonard Epps reflected on the game, saying, "Proud of this team and how they fought. They gave everything they had and lost to a good Dalton State team. Excited for the future of this team and what we can do next year!"
 

The loss will end the Barons' season, and the team and coaching staff will look to begin preparing for the offseason. With a focus on trying to add more talent for the upcoming season, trying to match the success they found with their new transfers this season. 

-30-