MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Stillman College advanced past Dalton State college, 66-61, in the Southern States Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship quarterfinals, presented by Newk's Eatery.

The Tigers (16-13) will meet top-seed Loyola University (22-6) in the first semifinal game Friday at 3 p.m. in the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl.

Stillman responded to Dalton State's early 4-0 lead with a 19-0 run, including seven points from Jamar Jackson. However, Dalton answered with a 15-2 run to cut Stillman's 15-point lead down to two points, 21-19, with 6:55 to play in the first half.  

Post play proved key for Stillman, as Bailey Talley came off the bench to lead all players with 17 points. Marcus Bates Jr had a double-double 15 points and 14 rebounds. The duo scored the last 10 points of the first half for Stillman, as the Tigers carried a 35-28 lead into halftime.

Bates and Talley also scored Stillman's first 10 points in the second half, helping counter a quick 40-38 lead by DSC and breaking two tied scores. When Franklin Almonte gave the Road Runners a 50-49 lead with 9:05 to play, Talely hit a 3-pointer off a Devin Merriweather assist to put Stillman back on top. He followed with a steal to set up a Derrick Finklea layup and turned the game into a two-possession lead, 54-50.

A Bates offensive rebound, putback and free throw broke the final tie, 59-59, with 1:31 to keep Stillman in front, 62-59. Merriweather and Khalil Johnson each knocked down a pair of free throws in the final 35 seconds to seal the win.

Finklea added 10 points and eight boards, while Johnson finished with nine points.

Dalton State was led by Kamissoko Boubacar's 15 points and Donavan Miller's 11 points.

Loyola advanced to the semifinals with a 69-54 win over Middle Georgia State University on Thursday afternoon.