Box Score MARION, Ind. -- Shawnee State (24-7, 15-1) saw its season come to an end Friday evening, falling to Dalton State 81-71 in the first round of the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament.

Dalton State jumped out to a 10-point lead in the first half, leading 42-32 at the break.

Jason Steele led the Bears in first-half scoring with 10 points, while Dalton State's Omarion Smith led all scorers with 13 points.

In the second half, Shawnee State tied the game twice, most notably with 6:25 to play at 63-63.

Over the final six and a half minutes, Dalton State outscored the Bears 18-8 to secure the 81-71 win.

Jason Steele led Shawnee State in scoring with 14 points, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 2-of-5 at the free-throw line.

Tyreon Payne and El Sieger each scored 12 points points, while Jareon Mayo added 11.

Kiante Williams finished with six points and Daniel Rosenber posted five.

Dalton State's Qualen Pettus led all scorers with 32 points and Omarion Smith finished with 25.

Season Review

Shawnee State claimed its first River States Conference regular-season championship with a 15-1 conference record, earning the program's fifth NAIA National Tournament berth.

Fred Lymas was named River States Conference Coach of the Year in his first season as a collegiate head coach.

The Bears had a league-high six all-conference selections.