RAIDERS EXTEND WIN STREAK TO SIX WITH 74-63 ROAD WIN OVER THE PANTHERS

KNOXVILLE — Roane State pushed its winning streak to six games Wednesday night, defeating Pellissippi State 74–63 behind another strong interior effort from sophomore forward Dashawn Hall-Johnson and a surging defensive presence that continues to define the Raiders' recent run.

Hall-Johnson, who earlier in the week was named the TCCAA Region 7 Men's Basketball Player of the Week after a 42-point stretch that included a career-high 22, finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal. His efficient 6-of-12 shooting helped the Raiders maintain control for most of the night as they improved to 8–3.

"I think we're really starting to figure some things out," coach Alan Holt said. "We had much better practices going into this game, and it really showed in stretches. Now we just have to find consistency for 40 minutes."

Roane State controlled the game for long stretches, using defensive pressure and interior strength to create separation, but Holt said the Raiders are still searching for a complete performance. Several momentum swings kept the outcome from being decided early, as Pellissippi capitalized on brief lapses to stay within reach before the Raiders ultimately steadied themselves in the closing minutes.

"There were a couple times we'd increase our lead to 10 or 12, and then we'd kind of let our foot off the gas," Holt said. "We just have to consistently do what we're supposed to do to play at a high level."

Roane State outscored Pellissippi 40–33 in the second half and finished the night with a 41–29 advantage on the boards. Freshman forward Adonai Mussie delivered one of the night's most complete performances, totaling 13 points, 14 rebounds, five steals and four blocks. His two-way surge, Holt said, has been one of the driving forces behind the team's six-game winning streak.

"Adonai has really come on strong during this streak," Holt said. "He's given us stability at the four spot, playing inside and outside, and he's just a defensive nightmare for people. He's playing at a caliber of defensive player of the year right now."

Guards Mikey Carpenter and Kenny Greenling added 12 and eight points, respectively, while Jordan Hamilton scored eight off the bench, but Holt praised Hall-Johnson's recent growth into a more streamlined role as a lynchpin of the team's success.

"He's buying into what we're trying to teach him," Holt said. "His efficiency has gone through the roof because we're putting him in positions to do the things he does really well. That's allowed him to be really, really good."

With only a handful of games remaining before the Christmas break, Holt said the Raiders' priority is sharpening their intensity and focus ahead of a demanding conference slate.

"If we can keep making positive steps the next week and a half, we'll be in a good place heading into the second semester," Holt said.