April 21, 2008

STATESMEN BASKETBALL ADDS MALIQI AND PIRSHIN TO 2008 SIGNING CLASS

By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

CLEVELAND – Delta State University head men’s basketball coach Jason Conner announced the signing of Arian Maliqi and Dmitry Pirshin, two junior college transfers from Gulf Coast Community College ( Florida), on Monday. Maliqi and Pirshin are the first two players to ink with the Statesmen so far this season.

“Arian and Dmitry bring instant offense and toughness to our program that we definitely need. Both players are skilled around the basket and both have received excellent coaching at Gulf Coast Community College,” stated Conner.

Arian Maliqi, a 6-foot-6 guard from Pristina, Kosovo, started 29 games for the Commodores last season averaging 6.7 points and 2.8 rebounds. Maliqi also connected on 53-percent of his three-point shots last season.

Dmitry Pirshin, a 6-7 forward from Moscow, Russia, started in 29 games in his final season in junior college, averaging 4.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He is also accomplished off the court. Pirshin is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and attended Moscow Engineering School before coming to the United States.

March 1, 2008

STATESMEN TAKE CARE OF WINLESS REDDIES, 91-78

By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score

CLEVELAND – The Delta State Statesmen (14-12, 8-6 Gulf South) defeated the Reddies of Henderson State (3-23, 0-14 Gulf South), 91-78, Saturday night on Senior Day at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Tonight was the final home game for Anthony Fizer, Ray Selvage, as well as student assistant and former Statesmen, Brian Jenkins. The win was not enough for the Statesmen to clinch a spot in the upcoming Gulf South Conference Tournament next week in Southaven.

The Statesmen scored the first bucket of the night on a three-pointer from Anthony Fizer and did not look back. DSU closed the half on a 15-7 run to take a 37-29 lead into the locker room. Neither team shot particularly well. DSU went 44-percent from the floor and 25-percent from behind the arc. Henderson was 36, and 33 on their side. The Statesmen were able to take advantage on the boards, however, out-rebounding the Reddies 26-15 in the half.

Once the second half got underway the Statesmen wasted no time in extending their lead out to as many as 17. The Reddies played hard to get back in the game, but were never able to come closer than seven, as the Statesmen continued to make critical baskets to keep their lead secured.

The Statesmen were led on the night by Earnesto Green with 19 points and eight rebounds. Chad Akins, Anthony Fizer, Brad Skipper and Eric Spencer also scored in double-figures with 14, 13, 12 and 11 points respectively. Antoine Vinson led the Reddies with a game-high 22 points and three rebounds in the game.

Delta State shot 53-percent (33-of-62) from the floor, 33-percent (8-of-24) from three-point range, and 74-percent (17-of-23) from the charity stripe. HSU went 43, 45, and 77-percent on their side of the ledger.

The Statesmen closed out the regular season 14-12. It's the first time since the 2003-04 season that DSU has not made the GSC Tournament field.

February 28, 2008 – For Immediate Release

STATESMEN DROP LAST SECOND HEART-BREAKER AT TECH, 79-76

by Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Delta State men’s basketball team (13-12, 7-6 Gulf South) fell to the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech University (16-9, 7-5 Gulf South), 79-76, Thursday at Tucker Coliseum. The loss put the Statesmen’s playoff hopes in jeopardy, but a win Saturday over Henderson State could still get DSU in due to tiebreakers.

The Statesmen battled the Wonder Boys back-and-forth throughout the entire period. In a half that saw the lead change hands seven times, with neither team able to get more than six points apart, the Wonder Boys took a 41-39 lead into the locker room at the break. Justin Duke’s play was critical for the Statesmen. He collected 11 points in the frame.

The Statesmen continued to fight in the second half. A David Clark three with 2:30 remaining tied the game at 70, after DSU had trailed for most of the half. With one minute remaining the Statesmen found themselves down two again, 72-74. A Troy Marcus lay-up coupled with a David Clark foul put the Wonder Boys up five as the keys came out in Tucker Coliseum. Earnesto Green hit a pair of free throws to bring it back down to two.

Brandon Friedel took the inbounds pass and threw it out of bounds giving the Statesmen the ball back with 31.8 seconds on the clock. Earnesto Green’s three hit off the back of the rim and Justin Duke had to foul. Tech missed the front-end of the one-and-one. After several missed shots by the Statesmen, Troy Marcus sent Oliver Mansour to the line with a chance to tie the ballgame with 2.7 seconds on the clock. Mansour missed the front-end and nailed down the second, pulling DSU within one with the same 2.7 on the board. Chad Henderson would finally put the Statesmen away with a pair of foul shots.

The Statesmen were led by David Clark and Earnesto Green with 15 points each. Brad Skipper led the way on the boards with nine. Justin Duke and Chad Akins added 14 and 11 points respectively. Chad Henderson led the Wonder Boys on the night with 23 points to lead all scorers, and Troy Marcus had the game’s sole double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

The Statesmen shot 42-percent (25-of-59) from the floor, 33-percent (8-of-24) from three, and 69-percent (18-of-26) from the free throw line. Arkansas Tech went 45, 20, and 71-percent for their game.

The Statesmen will return to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Saturday for Senior Day as they host the Henderson State Reddies for their final home game of the 2007-08 season. Seniors Anthony Fizer and Ray Selvage will be honored before the tip-off, which is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The Statesmen are still hunting for one of the remaining spots for the Gulf South Conference Tournament. The games will get underway on Wednesday, March 5 from the beautiful DeSoto County Civic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. The field will be set following the games on Saturday. Check back to www.GoStatesmen.com for updates and www.gulfsouthconference.org to purchase tickets. Be there and support your Statesmen as they once again vie for a GSC title.

FEBRUARY 23, 2008

STATESMEN SINGING THE BLUES IN MEMPHIS – FALL TO BUCS, 76-61
By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

Memphis – The Delta State Statesmen (13-11, 7-5 Gulf South) fell to the streaking Buccaneers (17-9, 8-4 Gulf South)of Christian Brothers University, 76-61, Saturday night in Memphis.

Both teams started out a little cold with both teams rushing shots to match the frenetic pace established on both sides. Brad Skipper broke the seal on the game almost two minutes in, but it would be the Statesmen’s only lead of the half. DSU shot just 39-percent in the frame, and were out-rebounded 16-26. CBU was finally able to break out of the back-and-forth as the half wound down, taking a 37-27 lead into the break.

The Statesmen came out hungry in the second half. They took better shots, stiffened their defensive effort, and pulled the game back to three in just five minutes. They would finally retie the score at 13:38 at 45 apiece off a pair of Chad Akins’ free throws. The Bucs weren’t done though, and answered with a 10-2 run, punctuated by a Reggie Peyton slam, before the media timeout. The game would not be close again.

Delta State was led offensively by Oliver Mansour with 16 points and eight rebounds on the night. Earnesto Green had 11 and Chad Akins, 10 to finish out those in double figures. Nick Kohs led all scorers with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Statesmen shot 40-percent from the floor, 39-percent from three, and 75-percent from the foul line. Christian Brothers went 43, 33, and 47-percent for their side of the ledger.

The Statesmen will return to action this Thursday when they travel to Russellville, Ark., to take on the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from Tucker Coliseum.

 

FEBRUARY 21, 2008

CLARK’S SUPERMAN ROUTINE POWERS STATESMEN TO 88-63 WIN OVER MULERIDERS

By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 88 - SAU 63

CLEVELAND – The Delta State Statesmen (13-10, 7-4 Gulf South) defeated the Muleriders (11-13, 2-9 Gulf South) of Southern Arkansas University, 88-63, Thursday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The win maintains DSU’s position in the GSC-West standings, as the Statesmen will remain in a tie for third at the end of the night’s other games.

The Statesmen battled back-and-forth for much of the first half. The Muleriders led by as many as six in the period as the Statesmen tried to find their rhythm without the strong inside presence of the injured Ray Selvage. DSU closed out the half on a strong note, taking a 46-34 lead into the locker room.

Coach Conner’s team came out from the break and did everything they had to do to keep the struggling ‘Riders at bay. They would not get closer than eight for the rest of the game.

The Statesmen were a scorching 59-percent from the floor in the game, compared to SAU’s anemic 38-percent. They were equally impressive from behind the arc, going 6-of-11 on the night for 55-percent. DSU went 18-of-25 from the free throw line, good for 72-percent.

David Clark netted a career-high 22 points and seven rebounds to lead the Statesmen in scoring. Brad Skipper filled in down low and pulled in a massive 16 rebounds and nine points of his own. Three other Statesmen scored in double-figures. Justin Duke had 12, and Eric Spencer and Earnesto Green had 11 points apiece.

The Statesmen will be on the road this weekend as they will travel to Memphis to take on the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University. Tip-off is set 5:00 p.m. from Canale Arena.

February 20, 2008

FORMER STATESMAN RICHARDSON SIGNS WITH HAWKS
From Combined Reports

ATLANTA, GA. - Former Statesmen Jeremy Richardson has signed a 10-day contract with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. This is the third such contract that Richardson has signed this season, the first two with the Memphis Grizzlies (December 20) and the San Antonio Spurs (January 10). It will be his second stretch with the Hawks, having been with the team for a short period last season.  

Jeremy scored a total of 10 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in eight games in his first two stints in the league. Those numbers reflect, more, a lack of opportunity than any lack of ability. Richardson is second in scoring in the D-League with 25.4 points per game. He is also averaged 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Jeremy was named the MVP of the recent D-League All-Star Game after leading his team to a 117-99 victory in the exhibition. He scored 22 points, grabbed four rebounds, and one steal.  

"I have to give a lot of credit to the D-League,” said Richardson. “It helped me out and that’s the case for a lot of players out here. Everybody out here is talented and has a chance to make it to the NBA.”

Jeremy was a First Team All-Gulf South Conference selection following both his junior and senior seasons with the Statesmen. He started all 31 games as a senior averaging 17.8 points, and left ranked 14th on the team’s all-time scoring list.

Richardson will join the Hawks immediately for their road trip in California, which begins Tuesday against the Lakers and continues Wednesday in Sacramento and on Friday at Golden State. He will be wearing 32 for the Hawks, the inverse of his old green and white jersey, number 23.

 

February 16, 2008

GREEN’S THREE WITH 19 SECONDS LEFT LIFTS STATESMEN TO 63-60 WIN OVER BOLL WEEVILS

• Box Score: DSU 63 - UAM 60

CLEVELAND – Earnesto Green’s 25-foot three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining lifted the Delta State men’s basketball team to a 63-60 victory over Arkansas-Monticello Saturday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Statesmen improved to 12-10 and 6-4 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Boll Weevils fell to 13-10 and 5-5 in league play.

The second half came down to the final 30 seconds of action, as both teams continued their torrid play. UAM led by as many as nine in the second half, but the Statesmen would not go away easily. Green put the team on his back over the final minute of play to setup the dramatic ending.

Tied at 60-60 with 29 seconds left, UAM missed an open shot underneath the basket. DSU’s David Clark cleared the rebound for the Statesmen. Chad Akins dribbled right and found a slashing Green at the left elbow. Green took two dribbles right and canned a 25-foot three pointer for the 63-60 lead. UAM’s desperation prayer fell on deaf ears, as the Statesmen crowd cheered the 63-60 win.

The Statesmen and Boll Weevils picked up the offensive pace in the second half considerably. DSU hit on 13-of-31 in the second half to improve to 41.9 percent, and finished the game 24-of-61 for the game. UAM was 14-of-32 for 43.8 percent in the second frame and 23-of-62 for the game.

The Statesmen out-rebounded the Boll Weevils 44-42, while forcing 18 UAM turnovers. The Statesmen bench proved to the difference, as the green-and-white outscored UAM 33-16.

The first half saw both teams struggling to find any kind of continuity on offense. The Statesmen trailed 9-2 until the 13 minute mark of the half, as Coach Conner’s squad found an extra gear and eventually took the lead 11-9 with under 10 to go.

Trailing 25-26 with less than 10 seconds remaining in the half, Chad Akins found a streaking Jordan Clements for a wide open lay up as time expired in the half to give DSU the lead 27-26.

Delta State connected on 11-of-30 shots in the first half from the floor, while making just 1-of-10 three point shots. Arkansas-Monticello was a mere 9-of-30 from the floor and 3-of-11 from beyond the arch.

Jordan Clements led all scorers with 19 points and six rebounds for DSU. Green finished with 11 points and six boards, while Justin Duke finished with 10 points and three rebounds. David Clark narrowly missed a double-double with eight points and 10 boards.

UAM placed four players in double figures with De’Angelo Dean’s 17 leading the way.

The Statesmen return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 21, as the play host to Southern Arkansas University. Delta State will be sponsoring “Think Pink Night,” as part of the festivities. Coach Jason Conner and the team are encouraging everyone to wear your pink in support of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s fight against cancer. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

February 16, 2008

FORMER STATESMAN STANDOUT JEREMY RICHARDSON NAMED NBA D-LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME MVP

By Daniel Hawthorne

NEW ORLEANS- Former Statesman basketball player Jeremy Richardson was named MVP of the NBA D-League All-Star Game Saturday night in New Orleans. Richardson led all scorers with 22 points, finishing 9-of-15 from the floor with four rebounds, to lead the Blue team to a 117-99 victory.

“It feels good to win something like this, coming from where I come from,” said Richardson. “If it wasn't for the D-League, I probably would have never gotten a chance from an NBA team. I have to give a lot of credit to the D-League. It helped me out and that is the case for a lot of players out here. Everybody out here is talented and has a chance to make it to the NBA. There's a lot of competition out here.”

In 12 games this season for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the former All-American is averaging 25 points and six rebounds.

For more on the story, please click here.

February 14, 2008

BISON STAMPEDE STATESMEN, 90-64
By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: HU 90 - DSU 64

SEARCY, Ark. – The Delta State Statesmen (11-10, 5-4 Gulf South) fell to the Bison of Harding University (13-9, 6-3 Gulf South), 90-64, Thursday night at Rhodes Field House in front of over 1600 fans.

The Statesmen jumped out to an early seven-point lead, but the home-standing Bison were able to take their first lead of the contest, 18-15, at the 12:00 mark. From there, a couple of quick threes and solid defense pushed the Harding lead out to nine before the Statesmen scored again, 24-16 half way through the period. The Bison lead hovered around double-digits for the rest of the half.

A scary moment came at 7:56 remaining in the first half, as Statesmen center Ray Selvage landed hard on his knee after a blocked dunk-attempt, and collapsed in pain with play continuing on the other end of the court. He would not return on the night.

When play finally did resume, the Bison took full advantage of the gaping hole in the Statesmen defense down low and prevented the Statesmen from closing the gap, taking a 49-39 lead into the break.

By the 17-minute mark, the Bison had pushed their 10-point advantage to a 20-point one. The Statesmen never quit and were able to cut the lead back to 10 with just over seven minutes remaining, 55-65. Despite the good effort, they were never able to get any closer.

Matt Hall led all scorers on the night with 30 points on the evening. Earnesto Green paced the Statesmen with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Eric Spencer joined Green in double-figures with 10 points of his own.

As a team, DSU shot 33-percent (23-of-69) from the floor, 19-percent (5-of-27) from three, and 54-percent (13-of-24) from the charity stripe. The Bison went 50, 44, and 82-percent on their side of the stat sheet.

The Statesmen will return to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Saturday to take on the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello. DSU will be looking to avenge the five-point loss they suffered earlier in the season in Monticello. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. and will tip-off following the conclusion of the women’s game at 4:00.

February 13, 2008

DELTA STATE TRAVELS TO HOSTILE RHODES FIELD HOUSE FOR SHOWDOWN WITH HARDING

• Game Notes: Weekly Release

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen will travel to Searcy this Thursday to take on the Bison of Harding University. The game is the second meeting between the two schools this season. The Statesmen are looking to avenge the 95-104 loss that Harding handed them earlier in the year at Sillers Coliseum.

The Bison are led by Senior Matt Hall. The forward is averaging over 20 points per game this season and is poised to claim his third Player-of-the-Year honor. Hall is surrounded by a solid core of veteran players which makes a win in Searcy a tall order for any team that tries.

Harding is coming off a 72-69 loss at Arkansas-Monticello last Thursday. It was the Bison’s first loss on the road in conference this season. They are currently 6-2 in GSC play, tied with Ouachita Baptist for the top spot. This would be a quality win for the Statesmen in any season, but could be especially useful this year. The West is all knotted-up and every game will have play-off implications.

February 7, 2008

STATESMEN DROP STINGER TO TIGERS, 78-80

By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

CLEVELAND - The Delta State men’s basketball team (11-9, 5-3 Gulf South) fell in a 78-80 barnburner Thursday night to the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University (13-6, 6-2 Gulf South) at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The loss snaps a four-game wining streak for the Statesmen and gives the Tigers a share of the Gulf South-West lead.

The first game between the two schools was one of the fastest-paced games of the season to- date. This game started, it seemed, where their previous one left off. Both teams came out with a fierce intensity, flying up and down the court for the entire period. The only thing separating the two squads early was the couple of offensive miscues on the first two possessions from the Tigers, but neither team was able to gain any lasting momentum or lead. The Statesmen were able to go on enough of a run at the end of the half to take a nine point lead into the break.

The pace only increased in the second half. Both teams jockeyed back-and-forth for the lead.

At the two minute mark the score stood 69-66 Tigers. The Statesmen came down, took an ill advised shot and then allowed Memo Rodriguez to hit an open three from the top of the key to go up six. The next trip down Earnesto Green connected on a three of his own to pull the deficit back to three. A foul on the ensuing by Eric Spencer sent Rodriguez to the line with just :41.1 on the clock and the Tigers still up three. He hit both to put the score 69-74. The quick lay-up attempt from Spencer didn’t fall, forcing another Statesmen foul. This time, Daniel Maddox went to the line and connected on two more. The Statesmen pulled out all the stops and made up seven points in the final ten seconds, but were unable to pull off the comeback.

The Statesmen were led offensively by Spencer and Akins, with 15 points each. Ray Selvage and Jordan Clements followed with 12 and 10 points respectively. Selvage pulled down the most boards for DSU on the night with eight, coming just two short of the double-double. Memo Rodriguez, Daniel Maddox, and Rowan Ledbetter were the only Tigers in double-figures – they had 18 points apiece. The Statesmen shot 42-percent from the floor, 44-percent from three, and 77-percent from the free throw line (20-of-26). OBU went 44-percent, 53-percent, and 70-percent in their half of the box.

The Statesmen are off this weekend for some much needed rest. They will be back in action next Thursday, Valentine’s Day, as they travel to Searcy, Ark., to take on the West-leading Harding University Bison. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. from the Rhodes Field House.

February 7, 2008

FORMER STATESMEN JEREMY RICHARDSON NAMED TO NBA DEVELOPMENTAL LEAGUE ALL-STAR GAME
By Daniel Hawthorne

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Former Delta State standout Jeremy Richardson has been selected to play in the NBA Developmental League All-Star Game, as announced by the NBA on Tuesday.

The game will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, on Center Court at the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas and will tip off at 2 p.m. CST and will be shown live on NBA TV. The game will be played in New Orleans, La.

Richardson, who’s had stints with several NBA teams including the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies and most recently the San Antonio Spurs, has been assigned to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. In nine games this season for them, he averaged a league-high 28.8 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Last night Richardson had a team-high 19 points in a 96-97 loss to the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He finished 8-of-18 from the floor with five rebounds in 33:09 minutes.

For more information, please click here.

February 3, 2008

STATESMEN BASKETBALL DISMISSES JOHNNY HODGE

CLEVELAND – Jason Conner, head coach of the Delta State University men’s basketball team, announced Sunday that Johnny Hodge, a 6-foot-5 senior from Monroe, La., had been dismissed from the program for a violation of team rules. The dismissal is effective immediately.

February 2, 2008

STATESMEN SURVIVE LAST-MINUTE REDDIE RALLY, WIN 75-70

By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

•  Box Score

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Delta State Statesmen (11-8, 5-2 Gulf South) traveled to Arkadelphia this Saturday and defeated the Reddies (2-17, 0-7 Gulf South) of Henderson State, 75-70, at the Duke Wells Center. The win extends the Statesmen’s three-game winning streak to four, and keeps the Reddies from their first conference win of the season.

The Statesmen were solid in the first half, shooting a respectable 44-percent from the floor. They took advantage of a cold-shooting Reddie team, who was only able to manage 28-percent on the period. Ray Selvage and Oliver Mansour played well down low and Chad Akins and Earnesto Green took care of the outside. Selvage and Akins netted seven in the half, Green bested them with eight, while Mansour pulled in six rebounds. The balanced teamwork allowed Delta to go into the half up, 34-22 inside the sparsely populated, yet rowdy, Duke Wells Center.

The Men-in-Green continued their steady pressure into the new half, passing the ball all over the court, as the Reddies struggled to get back into the ballgame. The Reddies were able to keep the Statesmen lead at or around the halftime total. Some late offensive miscues from the Statesmen allowed Henderson to get the game back to a six-point game with just 1:32 remaining. Chad Akins went to the line and pushed the lead back to eight, then Earnesto Green stole the ball on the ensuing trip down the court.

The Statesmen controlled the clock well as time ticked away. Eric Spencer hit a big three from the corner which gave the Statesmen a 73-64 lead with just :32.5 showing on the game clock. A timeout from Henderson State’s Sam Weaver changed the Reddie game plan to foul-mode, and Delta misfired on four attempts from the line.

The Reddies hit a couple of quick threes, reminding all the Statesmen fans in the crowd of the near disaster at Southern Arkansas the last time DSU tried to put away a conference road game. With :12.2 on the clock, Jason Conner called a timeout of his own to try and calm his team down. Another quick foul sent Eric Spencer to the line… he connected on both shots to put the game out of reach for good.

Eric Spencer’s 15 points set Delta State’s offensive pace and HSU’s Antoine Vinson led all scorers on the evening with 21. Oliver Mansour registered a massive 14 rebounds and eight points of his own. Jordan Clements, Earnesto Green, and Chad Akins all scored in double-digits with 14, 12, and 11 points respectively. The Statesmen shot 48-percent from the floor, 29-percent from three, and went 10-of-21 from the line (48-percent). The Reddies could not recover from their slow start, finishing 44, 24, and 79-percent on the night.

The Statesmen will open the back half of their conference schedule next Thursday, as they play host to the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University. DSU won the first game of the season-series, 94-79, back on January 12 in Arkadelphia. Tip-off from Walter Sillers is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

 

January 31, 2008

STATESMEN GRIT-OUT A 88-84 WIN OVER THE WONDER BOYS
By Michael Nienaber, Men's Contact

CLEVELAND – The Delta State Statesmen (10-8, 4-2 Gulf South) defeated the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech (13-6, 4-2 Gulf South), 88-84, at Walter Sillers Coliseum on Thursday. The win extends the Statesmen’s current winning streak to three and pulls DSU even with Tech in the GSC-West standings AT 4-2.

The Statesmen battled from the tip-off in one of the season’s fastest-paced games to date. Both teams scored in quick succession, dunking in the face of defenders and sending the crowd into fits. Ray Selvage produced a couple of rim-rattling slams to help the Statesmen build an early lead. The Wonder Boys answered back, coming from 11 points down to tie the score at 22-all. Tech took advantage of 17 DSU turnovers in the period. The Statesmen went on a 14-9 run to end the half, heading into the locker room up five, 39-34 at the break.

The second half remained as manic as the first, with the Statesmen lead yo-yoing up and down as the Wonder Boys tried to regain the momentum. The Statesmen extended their lead to as many as 10 at the 17-minute mark. Arkansas Tech managed to finally tie the score at 70 with 4:26 remaining on the clock. The teams then preceded traded the lead back-and-forth over the final four minutes . The Statesmen were able to get back on top for good off a pair of clutch threes from Earnesto Green, giving DSU a six-point lead with just 51 seconds left to play. Solid foul shooting from Eric Spencer put the game on ice and handed the Wonder Boys only their second conference loss on the season.

Eric Spencer and Earnesto Green led the way for the Statesmen on the night, scoring 21 and 20 points respectively. Chad Akins and Jordan Clements joined their teammates in double-digits with 12 and 10 points each. Eric Spencer fell just two rebounds short of his first double-double of the year with eight rebounds in the game. Arkansas Tech was paced by Chad Henderson’s 21 points and 6 rebounds. The Statesmen shot 53.7-percent from the floor off 29-of-54 shooting. They went 5-of-17 from three (29.4-percent) and 25-of-36 from the free-throw line (69.4-percent). Delta held the Wonder Boys to 43.1-percent from the field, 33.3-percent from three, and 65.7-percent from the line.

Coach Conner’s team will be in Arkansas this Saturday, as they take on the Reddies of Henderson State. The game will be broadcast live on the Statesmen Sports Network, Matt Jones and J.T. Webb will have the call from the Duke Wells Center on the campus of Henderson State University starting with the women’s game at 2:45 p.m. Tip-off for the Statesmen is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.

January 31, 2008

STATESMEN FACE DIVISION-LEADING WONDER BOYS THURSDAY AT SILLERS COLISEUM

• GAME NOTES: Arkansas Tech at DSU

CLEVELAND - The Delta State University Statesmen and the Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys meet Thursday in a crucial early Gulf South Conference game for both clubs at Walter Sillers Colseum. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.

Tech has been the surprise so far in the GSC West after being picked to finish last in the pre-season poll. Second-year coach Mark Downey has things moving in the right direction, as ATU sits 13-5 headed into the game. Dlta State is 9-8 overall and 3-2 in West Division play. Tech has won five of their last six games, and are in first place in the GSC West at 4-1.

Darren Tarver enters the contest as ATU’S leading scorer at 15.6 points per game. Tarver also averages a steady 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Troy Marcus is Tech’s leading rebounder, pulling down 5.6 per game. Marcus also averages 10.4 points per game which ranks him third on the team.

The Statesmen enter the game on a two game winning streak including a 79-63 dispatching of preseason GSC first place pick Christian Brothers. DSU has been riding the hot hand of Ernesto Green. The junior guard has scored 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in Delta State’s last two conference victories.

January 26, 2008

STATESMEN VICTORIOUS, 79-63, OVER BUCCANEERS

By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 79 - CBU 63 

CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State men’s basketball team (9-8, 3-2 Gulf South) defeated the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University (10-8, 2-3 Gulf South), 79-63, Saturday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The win extends the Statesmen’s GSC win streak to two games and moves the squad above .500 for the first time this semester.

The Statesmen took a little while to get going tonight in Walter Sillers. Halfway through the period the Buccaneers held an 11-point lead. A three-pointer from Eric Spencer sparked a 10-0 run over the next three minutes to cut the CBU lead down to one. The Statesmen took their first lead of the game at with 3:30 left in the half, but it was quickly erased by a Weybright lay-up on the next trip down the floor. The two squads traded buckets for the remainder of the period. A series of CBU turnovers and Statesmen lay-ups allowed Coach Conner’s men to take a six-point lead into the break, 40-34.

The Statesmen carried their momentum well into the second half, extending their lead out to 10 in the opening seven minutes of the half, 52-42. The Buccaneers tried to claw their way back into the game, but were never able to get closer than five again.

The Statesmen were paced by Eric Spencer’s 19 points on the evening. Earnesto Green, Jordan Clements and Chad Akins joined him in double-figures with 15, 12 and 10 points respectively. Reggie Peyton led all Buccaneer scorers with 19 points, and Kevin Weybright added 18. The Statesmen shot 59-percent from the floor, 38-percent from three, and 77-percent from the foul line. CBU went 44, 37, and 46-percent on the night.

Delta State remains at home next Thursday, as the Statesmen will play host to the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech. Game-time is set for 8:00 p.m. at Sillers Coliseum.

January 24, 2008

STATESMEN SURVIVE LAST-MINUTE COMEBACK, WIN 74-73 AT SAU
By Michael Nienaber, Men's Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 74 - SAU 73

MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Delta State men's basketball team (8-8, 2-2 Gulf South) survived a furious last-minute comeback from the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University (10-7, 1-3 Gulf South) on Thursday, coming away from Magnolia with a 74-73 victory. THe win snapped a two-game conference losing streak for Jason Conner's Statesmen.

Delta State seemed to be cruising to an assured win with a 10 point lead with less than one minute left on the clock, but the intended “nail-in-the-coffin” dunk from Ray Selvage was answered by an 11-2 SAU run. The Muleriders hit three threes and a lay-up to cut DSU's lead to three with 5.1 seconds remaining.

Earnesto Green's free throw extended the lead to four and the free throw proved to be the difference in the game, as SAU's Brian Williams canned a 47-foot, buzzer-beating three to make the final margin 74-73.

Despite the near heart attack-inducing finish, the Statesmen never trailed in the game. The DSU lead climbed as high as 17 in the second half. Earnesto Green led all scorers in the contest with 24 points, he also had seven rebounds and two assists on the night. Johnny Hodge and Chad Akins were the only other Statesmen in double-digits with 12 and 11 points respectively. Oliver Mansour pulled down nine rebounds to lead all players in that category.

Brandon Williams paced the Muleriders with 23 points on the night, nine of which came in the final nine seconds of the game.

The Statesmen will try to catch their breath after this one before returning home to Cleveland on Saturday to host the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.

January 23, 2008

Spurs re-sign former Statesman Jeremy Richardson

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday that they have re-signed former Delta State guard/forward Jeremy Richardson. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Richardson has appeared in three games for the Spurs this season averaging 1.7 points in 3:23 minutes. He was originally signed on Jan. 10.

The 6-foot-7, 195-pound Richardson was signed by the Memphis Grizzlies on Dec. 20. He did not register a point in three games with the Grizzlies and was waived on Jan. 7.

Prior to joining the Grizzlies, Richardson was with the Fort Wayne Mad Antz in the NBA Development League. He was averaging a league-high 28.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.63 steals in 41.5 minutes in eight games. The 23-year-old spent the 2007 preseason with the Miami Heat before being cut on Oct. 29.

A two-time National Basketball Coaches Association All-Region and All-Gulf South Conference selection, Richardson helped guide the Statesmen to the 2005-2006 GSC championship. In just two seasons at Delta State, the Zachary, La., native scored 1,001 career points to rank in the top 30 all-time.

January 19, 2008

STRONG SECOND HALF LIFTS WEEVILS OVER STATESMEN, 78-73
By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: UAM 78 - DSU 73

MONTICELLO , Ark. - The Delta State men’s basketball team (7-8, 1-2 Gulf South Conference) fell to the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas-Monticello (8-7, 1-2 GSC), 78-73, Saturday at Steelman Fieldhouse. The loss extends Delta State’s GSC streak to two games.

The Statesmen went into the locker room with a 39-35 advantage, thanks to some lights-out shooting from behind the arc. DSU shot 6-of-11 from three, good for 55-percent, compared to just 4-of-11 for the Weevils. The Statesmen bench played solid ball in the frame, accounting for 16 points. Anthony Fizer had 10 off the pine to lead DSU. He went 4-for-5 from the floor and 2-of-3 from three.

In the second half, the Statesmen tied the game with just over five minutes remaining off a pair of Johnny Hodge free throws, but a called fifth foul on Oliver Mansour on the next play allowed UAM to retake the lead. The sequence stalled the Statesmen’s momentum and they never got closer than three again.

Anthony Fizer and Johnny Hodge led the Statesmen with 16 points apiece. Fizer’s 16 points set a new career-high for the senior. Chad Akins led the squad on the boards with six rebounds. Raymond Wright’s 24 points and 13 rebounds paced the Boll Weevils on the afternoon.

The Statesmen shot 50-percent from the floor, going 26-of-52. Their three-point shooting cooled from the first half, falling to 14-percent for the half and 39 for the game. The Statesmen did not get many opportunities from the free-throw line, but they made the best of what they were given, going 14-of-16 for the game. Arkansas-Monticello shot 47-percent from the floor, 29-percent from three, and 71-percent from the line.

The Statesmen will stay on the road Thursday, Jan. 24, as they travel to Magnolia, Ark., to face the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The game will be aired live on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning with the Lady Statesmen’s contest with the Lady Muleriders at 5:15 p.m. Matt Jones and J.T. Webb have the call.

January 17, 2008

STATESMEN DROP SHOOT-OUT IN SILLERS, 104-95
By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

•  Box Score: HU 104 - DSU 95

CLEVELAND - The Delta State men’s basketball (7-7, 1-1 GSC) dropped their first home game of the year Thursday, 104-95, at the hands of Matt Hall and the Harding Bison (8-7, 2-0 GSC). Two-time Gulf South Conference Player of the Year, Matt Hall, scored 37 points and grabbed nine rebounds on the night.

The game went back-and-forth for much of the first half. Hall scored 16 points, just two ahead of Oliver Mansour for the Statesmen at 14. The Bison were poised to take a two point lead into the half as the final seconds ticked off the clock, but a quick turnover by Steven Barnett and a last-second half-court three from Eric Spencer put the Statesmen up one as the buzzer sounded for the half, 53-52.

The second half started much like the first one ended with both teams level-pegging with each other. Then the Bison made a run. They went from one point ahead with 9:12 on the clock to 10 ahead two minutes later, 85-75. From that point forward, the Statesmen could never get the Bison lead below nine.

Delta was led by Johnny Hodge with 17 points and five rebounds. Oliver Mansour and Chad Akins added 15, while Eric Spencer netted 12 and Ray Selvage had 11 points and five rebounds. Senior Anthony Fizer scored 10 points of his own in the final four minutes.

Even with six Statesmen in double-figures, they could not keep up with Matt Hall. His 37 led all scorers, while three other Bison posted double-figure nights as well. The Statesmen shot 54-percent from the floor and 50-percent from three, and the Bison went 58-percent from the floor and a scorching 83-percent from the foul line. Harding hit as many free-throws, 33, as the Statesmen took all night.

The Statesmen will be on the road this Saturday when they travel over to Monticello, Ark. for a 4:00 p.m. start with the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello.

January 12, 2008

STATESMEN WIN A WILD CONFERENCE OPENER 94-79 AT TIGERS

By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Delta State Statesmen (7-6, 1-0) opened Gulf South Conference play in Arkadelphia Saturday night with a furiously paced 94-79 victory over the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University (7-5, 0-1).

Ray Selvage came to play. He put on a dunking exhibition in the opening minutes of the first half, scoring 10 of the Statesmen’s first 15. Elevated by their center’s play, the rest of the Statesmen lineup responded by playing some of the best basketball they’ve played to-date. They would need every bit of that effort, as the Tigers were not going to simply lay down in their own gym. The game went back-and-forth for much of the period. Selvage and Johnny Hodge had 12 points apiece and Eric Spencer added 10 to help the Statesmen take a 45-36 lead into the locker room at Vining Arena.

The only question on the minds of those DSU fans in attendance, would the Statesmen be able to keep this break-neck pace going into the second half? The Statesmen answered by opening the second half on a 10-4 run, giving DSU the 55-40 lead with 16:00 minutes remaining. The two squads refused to slow the game down, as both flew up and down both ends of the court hitting jumpers and lay-ups from every spot on the hardwood, and despite a ferocious effort from the Tigers, Ouachita was never able to bring the game back within single-digits.

The Statesmen were led by Eric Spencer with 18 points and six rebounds, Johnny Hodge added 16 and nine, Oliver Mansour and Jordan Clements had 13, while Selvage added two more in his foul-shortened period for 12 points and seven rebounds on the night. The Tigers were led by Antonio Benjamin and Memo Rodriguez with 20 and 19 points respectively.

Coach Jason Conner had this to say “that’s the Ray Selvage I know, he brought emotion and I was pleased to see it. It is always tough to come in here and walk out with the “w.”

The Statesmen will be back home for their next game Thursday night as they play host to the Bison of Harding University. Tip off is set to follow the conclusion of the women’s game. Both teams look to continue their new conference winning streaks in front of the home crowd in Cleveland.

 

January 8, 2008

STATESMEN READY FOR GSC-OPENER, DEFEAT CHAMPION BAPTIST 105-40
By Michael Nienaber – Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 105 - CBC 40

CLEVELAND – The Delta State Statesmen defeated the Champion Baptist Tigers 105-40 in their final non-conference game of the 2007-08 schedule Tuesday night at Sillers Coliseum. The victory pulled the Statesmen back to the .500-mark, improving to 6-6 on the year, the Tigers dropped to 3-13.

The game was never close as the Statesmen put the NCCAA program away early. Eric Spencer had 10 points at the half and four of his teammates were within two of double-digits in the period. The Tigers had trouble with the Statesmen defense and speed, shooting just 17-percent from the floor (4-of-24), 8-percent from three point-range (1-of-12), and one-of-four from the line. Delta State led 46-10 at the intermission.

The second half saw more of the same as the Statesmen continued to cruise. DSU was led by Xavier Ruth with 16 points and four rebounds. Anthony Fizer followed with 15. As a team the Statesmen shot 53.9-percent from the floor (41-of-76), 36.4-percent from three, and went 15-of-21 from the free throw line. Champion Baptist was led by Andrew Pryor with 16 points and four rebounds.

Delta State will open up conference play on the road this Saturday against the Ouachita Baptist Tigers. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. from Bill Vining Arena in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

January 7, 2008

STATESMEN DROP 55-78 DECISION TO ARGOS
By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 55 at UWF 78

PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Delta State men’s basketball team dropped their final division II game before starting Gulf South Conference play 55-78 to the Argonauts Monday night at UWF Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of West Florida. The loss gives the Statesmen a 5-6 record on the season, while the Argonauts improve to 10-4.

The Argos never trailed in the game, taking a 42-16 lead into the locker room at the half. The second half was much improved for Jason Conner’s Statesmen. They leveled things out in the period, scoring 39 points to UWF’s 36, but the hole was too deep for DSU to climb out.

Johnny Hodge contributed his first double-double of the year with 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Statesmen. Earnesto Green was the only other Statesman in double-figures with 14. As a team, Delta State went 19-of-66 from the floor (29-percent) compared to 28-of-62 (45-percent) for West Florida. Josh Jackson led all scorers on the night, with 17 points and three rebounds for the Argonauts.

The Statesmen will not have to wait long to get back on the court, as they return home to Walter Sillers Coliseum for an 8:00 p.m. tip-off with Champion Baptist Tuesday. The game will be the final non-conference game of the season for the Statesmen.

January 5, 2008

STATESMEN CLAIM 73-68 OVERTIME VICTORY OVER TIGERS
By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: DSU 73 - UWA 68 OT 

CLEVELAND – The Delta State men’s basketball team pulled out a thrilling 73-68 overtime victory over West Alabama Saturday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Clutch free-throws from sophomore point guard Chad Akins helped the Statesmen put the Tigers away in the final seconds of the extra period. The victory brought the Statesmen to .500 on the season at 5-5, while the Tigers fell to 5-8. The victory also gave the Statesmen the series sweep over the Tigers 2-0.

The game went back-and-forth all night with neither team able to get the lead into double-digits. The Statesmen trailed by four at the half, 33-37, on 38 percent shooting from the floor compared to 41 percent for West Alabama. The Tiger lead climbed to its zenith with 14 minutes to play at 42-51, but the Statesmen clawed their way back and tied the game seven minutes later at 56. The two continued to trade buckets until time expired with the score knotted at 62.

Eric Spencer struck first in the overtime giving Delta State the early advantage, 64-62. West Alabama’s Glenn Miles tied the game at 64 with his 17-footer. A three pointer by Akins extended DSU’s lead to 67-64 with 3:05 left in overtime. Both teams would trade baskets until Akins’ free throws sealed the win for DSU, 73-68.

Spencer led the Green-and-White on the night, with his first double-double of the year - 18 points and 10 rebounds. Johnny Hodge and Chad Akins also scored in double-digits on the night with 17 and 14 points respectively. Akins also dished out a game-high six assists. Glenn Miles led all scorers with 23 for West Alabama.

The Statesmen return to the court on Monday, Jan. 7 at West Florida. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at UWF Fieldhouse in Pensacola, Fla. DSU will return to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Tuesday, Jan. 8 versus Champion Baptist. The game is part of a doubleheader with the second-ranked Lady Statesmen. Game times are set for 6 and 8 p.m. .

January 4, 2008

STATESMEN TO HOST TIGERS IN FIRST CONTEST OF 2008 SATURDAY

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen basketball team (4-5) is looking  to kickoff the New Year with a win as they return to action this Saturday at Walter Sillers Coliseum against the Tigers of West Alabama (5-7).

"West Alabama has a very talented team and we will have to play our best to earn a victory," said DSU head coach Jason Conner. "We were fortunate to steal a win at their place and I know they'll be looking to return the favor."

The Statesmen are coming off an 83-63 victory over Dillard University December 19 and are looking to extend their home winning streak to three games. The Tigers are looking to avenge a 96-78 loss to the Statesmen on November 21 at Livingston. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

December 19, 2007

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES SIGN FORMER STATESMEN STANDOUT JEREMY RICHARDSON

MEMPHIS , TENN. – The Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association have signed former Delta State guard Jeremy Richardson to a 10-day contract on Wednesday, Dec. 19. Richardson’s signing fills a void for the Grizzlies after the club released Tarence Kinsey on Tuesday.

“All Jeremy needs is a chance,” said DSU head coach Jason Conner. “He has the talent to play in the NBA, but hasn’t had the right fit. Hopefully, Memphis will be the place. I know I’ll be driving up Highway 61 to watch him play.”

Richardson, currently the leading scorer in the NBA’s Development League at 28.5 points per game, will be in Memphis in time for Thursday’s contest with the Detroit Pistons. The 6-foot-7 Zachary, La., native spent the entire preseason with the Miami Heat before being released at the start of the season. He signed with Fort Wayne ( Ind.) of the NBDL and hasn’t looked back. In eight games with the Mad Ants, Richardson averaged 28.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

Richardson played last season with the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBDL.  He averaged 15.1 points per game and spent time with the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trailblazers. 

The two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection guided the Statesmen to the 2005-06 GSC title and the nation’s No. 1 ranking. He finished his career with 1,001 career points to rank fourteenth all-time at Delta State.

DECEMBER 18, 2007

STATESMEN END FOUR-GAME SKID AGAINST DILLARD 83-63 AT SILLERS COLISEUM
By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: Statesmen 83 - Blue Devils 63  

CLEVELAND – The Delta State men’s basketball team snapped their four-game losing streak Monday against the visiting Dillard Blue Devils, 83-63, at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Statesmen improved to 4-5 on the year, while the Blue Devils dropped to 4-4.

The Statesmen took a few minutes to warm up, but the Devils never got closer than a bucket in the half. Delta shot 57-percent on the half, with both Johnny Hodge and Earnesto Green in double-figures with 12 and 11 points respectively. Dillard connected on 52-percent of their shots, but it was not enough to overtake the Statesmen, who took a six point lead into the break, 43 to 37.

With most of the starters on the bench, the Devils were able to cut the lead back down to three with six minutes remaining, but the Green-and-White would not be denied a win in front of their home crowd. The Statesmen went on a 20-0 run over the remaining five minutes to seal the victory, 83-63.

Delta State was led by Eric Spencer and Earnesto Green with 18 points apiece. Johnny Hodge ended with 12 points on the afternoon. DSU shot 57-percent from the floor and 42-percent from behind the arc. They were 4-of-8 from the foul line.

The Statesmen will take the next two weeks off for the holidays before hosting the Tigers of West Alabama in the first game of the New Year on January 5. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

December 16, 2007

SALEM INTERNATIONAL CLAIMS 92-71 VICTORY OVER DELTA STATE AT JOE MANCHIN CLASSIC

SALEM, W.V. - The Salem International men's basketball team claimed a 92-71 victory over Delta State at the annual Joe Manchin Classic on Saturday. The loss is the fourth straight for the Statesmen and drops their season record to 3-5. SIU improved to 6-1 with the win.

Due to an external email problem, complete stats are not available at this time. As soon as they become available, a complete recap and stats will be posted.

December 15, 2007

STATESMEN DROP THIRD STRAIGHT, 81-84, TO CHARLESTON AT JOE MANCHIN CLASSIC
By Michael Nienaber

SALEM, W.V. - The Delta State University men's basketball team dropped its third straight game with an 81-84 loss to the University of Charleston at the Joe Manchin Classic in Salem. The Manchin Classic is hosted by Salem International University.

The University of Charleston had five players reach double-digit scoring in an 85-81 victory over Delta State University Friday night at Salem.

Robert Strickland led the way for UC (5-2) with 20 points. Marquis Brooks and Austin Weatherington each added 17 while John White scored 15 and Jamaal Williams 15.

Delta State (3-4) was led by Johnny Hodge with 16 points while Oliver Monsour and Jordan Clements each added 10 points.

December 11, 2007

VIRGINIA UNION SLIDES PAST STATESMEN 62-84
By Michael Nienaber

RICHMOND, Va. – The Delta State Statesmen fell to perennial division 2 powerhouse, Virginia Union University, Tuesday by a final of 62-84 in Richmond. The loss was the third on the season and second in a row for the Green and White. The Panthers improved to 3-1 on the year.

The Panthers put the clamps on the Statesmen offense from the tip-off to the buzzer. The stiff defense held Delta State to just 43-percent from the floor and 35-percent from three. The Statesmen were led Anthony Fizer’s 17 points and closely followed by Ray Selvage’s 14. They were the sole Statesmen in double-figures on the night. The Panthers had four with more than nine, led by Brandon Byerson with 19.

The Statesmen got down ten points before Oliver Mansour pried the lid off the DSU goal two and a half minutes in, but they would never get the score closer than six for the rest of the game. The Statesmen shot just five foul shots on the evening and hit only one. The Panthers were 20-of-27 from the free-throw line.

he Statesmen will look to pull out of this early slump this Friday at 6:30 CST against the University of Charleston ( West Virginia) Golden Eagles in the Salem International Classic in Salem, West Virginia. They face-off with the SIU Tigers on Saturday.

December 7, 2007

STATESMEN SIGN TRANSFER FROM COLORADO STATE

CLEVELAND - Coach Jason Conner announced his second signing for the 2008-09 season Friday with the commitment from Alton Robinson, a 6-foot-7 forward from Hattiesburg.  The Statesmen recruited Robinson out of high school and are pleased that he decided to give the Green-and-White a second look. 

“We are excited to have Alton playing for us next year.  He will give us instant scoring and rebounding down low, but more importantly, he is on track to graduate on time, making him a good fit all-round,” said Conner.

The Hattiesburg native played at Colorado State last season, but wanted to return to Mississippi for his final year of eligibility.  He netted eight points and four rebounds in 12 minutes against in-state rival Colorado in Boulder.  The 6-7 forward played in ten games for the Rams before deciding that he wanted to return home.

Robinson was named the Region XXIII Player of the Year at Pearl River Community College, averaging 23 points and 11 rebounds per game for Coach Richard Mathis.  He scored 52 points in one of his games at Pearl.  Before that, he averaged 25 a night at Hattiesburg High School.

December 1, 2007

LIONS HAND STATESMEN 91-78 LOSS
By Michael Nienaber, Men’s Basketball Contact

• Box Score: UNA 91 vs. DSU 78  

FLORENCE , ALA. – The Delta State University men’s basketball team fell 78-91 to the University of North Alabama Lions at Flowers Hall on Saturday. The Lions improved to 6-2 on the season, while the Statesmen dropped to 3-2.

The men in green struggled in the first half, allowing the Lions to take a 10 point lead into the locker room at the break, 46-36.

The Statesmen shot 44-percent from the floor in the frame, connecting on just 13-of-32 from the field. The Lions, on the other hand, shot an even 50-percent in the half, going 17-for-34 and 6-of-12 from behind the three-point arc.

The Lions showed no signs of slowing down as the second half began on a 14-7 UNA run. The Statesmen trailed 43-60 at the 14-minute mark, giving the Lions their largest lead of the game at 17. It seemed every time the Statesmen would cut into the lead that the Lions answered right back. As a result, the Statesmen were never able to climb out of the hole from the first half.

Delta State was led by Oliver Mansour with 17 points. Eric Spencer and Johnny Hodge joined him in double-figures with 13 and 11 points respectively. North Alabama was paced by Casey Holt’s 30 points and six rebounds.

The Statesmen return to action December 11, as they travel to Richmond, Va., to take on Virginia Union University. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.

November 28, 2007

STATESMEN BASKETBALL ADDS ANTOINE TAYLOR TO 2007 SIGNING CLASS

CLEVELAND – Delta State head men’s basketball coach Jason Conner announced the signing of Antoine Taylor, a 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward, Tuesday for the 2008-09 season.  Taylor’s signing is the first this season for the Statesmen. 
               
“We’re excited about the addition of Antoine Taylor to our lineup next season,” stated Conner.  “He has tremendous potential and the makeup to be one of the best here at DSU.” 
               
Taylor is currently averaging 16.6 points per game and 6.1 rebounds as a sophomore for head coach Derrick Fears at Mississippi Delta Community College. Taylor scored a season-high 36 points and grabbed 18 boards against Lee Junior College in Texas earlier this year. He also posted 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against Pearl River Community College.
               
“We expect Antoine to play a combo-forward spot for us at the three and four position,” added Conner.  “He has the size to pound it inside, but he can also step out and knock down the jumper.  He’s just a great player.”
               
Fears spoke highly of his talented star, stating, “Antoine (Taylor) has matured on and off the court this season. He had provided leadership, hard work, and discipline to this year’s team, as he helps lead this team to a higher level.”
               
Taylor is the son of Helen Williams of Memphis, Tenn.

November 26, 2007

Eric Spencer’s three-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining in overtime seals 72-68 win for Statesmen over Wolves
By J.T. Webb, Media Relations

• Box Score: Final Stats

CLEVELAND – Eric Spencer’s three-pointer from the right wing with 2.9 seconds remaining in overtime lifted the Delta State (3-1) men’s basketball team to a 72-68 victory over West Georgia (4-1) at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Marion, Ark., native led all scorers with 24 points.

“What a win tonight,” said an excited Jason Conner, head coach of Delta State. “We made some big plays late in overtime to deliver the win. Eric’s shot from the wing was priceless!”

Down one, 67-68, with :18 seconds remaining, the Statesmen forced a turnover and quickly moved the ball up court. Justin Duke’s rebound of Chad Akins’ missed runner with nine seconds left gave DSU one last chance. Duke hit a cutting Spencer on the wing, who nailed the 24-footer for a 70-68 lead.

The Statesmen would steal the Wolves’ in-bounds pass to seal the win. Spencer connected on two late free throws to make the final 72-68.

The first half proved to be a back-and-forth affair with the Wolves closing the half with a 40-34 lead. UWG shot 45.2 percent (14-of-31) in the first half, while DSU managed 51.9 percent on 14-of-27 shooting.

The Statesmen held the Wolves to just 30 percent in the second half on 9-of-30 shooting from the field, while connecting on 45.8 percent (11-of-24) to edge the opposition 30-24.

The Statesmen edged the Wolves on the glass, 36-35, but turned the ball over 27 times.

Eric Spencer finished the game 8-of-9 from the floor and 4-of-5 from three point range for a career high 24 points. Earnesto Green dropped in 15 points with Chad Akins contributing 11 points and seven assists.

Sheldon Harris and Henrick Foster finished with 12 points each.

The Statesmen return to the court on Saturday, Dec. 1 at North Alabama. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at Flowers Hall in Florence, Ala.

November 20, 2007

Statesmen basketball blasts UWA Tigers 96-78

• Box Score: DSU 96 at UWA 78  

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The Delta State men’s basketball team placed five players in double figures en route to a 96-78 victory over West Alabama Wednesday at Pruitt Hall. The Statesmen improved to 2-1 on the season, while the Tigers slipped to 1-1.

“We played with a singular focus tonight,” said DSU head coach Jason Conner. “For 40 minutes we played as a team and executed well on both ends of the floor. Chad Akins and Ernesto Green both turned in outstanding performances, but when you look at the box score we had 11 guys that contributed to this victory.”

The first half was a back-and-forth affair for two of the Gulf South Conference’s charter members. UWA held a slim 40-37 lead at the half thanks to lights-out three point shooting (7-of-13). DSU was equally as warm from the floor, but couldn’t convert on several second chance points.

The second half was a completely different story for the green-and-white. The Statesmen held the Tigers to 33-percent from beyond the arch, while connecting on 57 percent of their attempts to out-score UWA 59-38 in the second half. DSU held a 26 point lead at one point in the second frame.

“We were able to make several adjustments that kept UWA at arms length,” added Conner. “In the second half we were also able to create several free throw opportunities that turned into easy points.”

DSU finished the game 36-of-66 from the field for 56 percent, while UWA shot 32-of-68 for 47 percent. The Statesmen forced 21 Tiger turnovers that translated into 27 points. DSU also pounded the paint, out-scoring UWA 48-26.

For a second time this season, junior Ernesto Green led the Statesmen in scoring with 19 points. The Jackson native connected on 6-of-9 shots from the field, including 3-of-5 from three point range.

Chad Akins, a sophomore from Madison, delivered six assists and three steals, while scoring 17 points from the point. Eric Spencer and Ray Selvage added 12 points each, while David Clark added 11 points off the bench. Junior Brad Skipper narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.

West Alabama placed four players in double figures led by Chris Malone’s 16 points.

Delta State will return to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Monday, Nov. 26, as the Statesmen play host to the Wolves of West Georgia. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 6:45 p.m. Matt Jones, John Cox and J.T. Webb have the call.

November 19, 2007

Statesmen basketball falls to Wolfpack 78-71

NEW ORLEANS , La. – Despite Justin Duke’s career-high 20 points, the Delta State men’s basketball team (1-1) fell, 71-78, to the Loyola-New Orleans Wolfpack (4-1) at The Den on Monday. It was the first loss of the season for the Statesmen and head coach Jason Conner.

“We had our chances tonight, but we just couldn’t capitalize when we needed to in the second half,” said Conner. “Justin Duke was lights out tonight, but we couldn’t seem to make the stops late in the game we needed.”

The Statesmen placed four players in double figures led by Duke. The 6-foot-3 junior guard connected on 6-of-9 three point attempts to lead the Statesmen with 20 points. Ray Selvage, Eric Spencer and David Clark all chipped in 10 points each. Selvage also finished with a team-high five rebounds.

Wolfpack guard Luke Zumo led all scorers with 30 points. Zumo connected on 10-of-14 shots, including 5-of-8 from three point range. Mario Faranda added 17 points in the win.

The Statesmen finished the game shooting 46 percent (26-of-56) from the field and 55 percent from three point range on 10-of-18 attempts. The Wolfpack managed 45 percent (23-of-51) from the field and 53 percent (8-of-15) from beyond the arch.

Loyola took advantage of several late free throw opportunities to seal the win. The Wolfpack made 24-of-35 free throw attempts, while the Statesmen were just 9-of-22 from the charity stripe. DSU edged LU 38-36 on the boards and 16-12 in assists.

Delta State will conclude its three game road trip on Wednesday at the University of West Alabama. Tip-off with the Tigers is set for 4 p.m.

November 17, 2007

Statesmen open season with 75-65 win over Tuskegee

• Box Score: DSU 75 - TU 65

TUSKEGEE, Ala. - The Delta State men's basketball team opened the season with a 75-65 come-from-behind road win over the Tigers of Tuskegee University Saturday at The James Center Arena. The Statesmen were led by Ernesto Green's 13 points in the win.

"This was a great win for us tonight on the road in a hostile environment," Jason Conner, DSU head coach stated. "Tuskegee is a very good that will compete for the SIAC title and I am very proud of the guys for their effort."

Trailing by nine at the half, DSU exploded in the second half to cruise to the 10 point win. The Statesmen out-scored the Tigers 54-35 in the second half while shooting 70 percent from the field.

The Statesmen placed four players in double figures led by Green's 13 points. Chad Akins and Xavier Ruth dropped in 12 points each, with Akins adding eight assists. Justin Duke added 11 points as well.

Tuskegee was led by Preston McCarter's 15 points.

DSU shot 52 percent for the game, while TU connected on just 35 percent of their attempts. The Statesmen also dominated the boards 46-31.

The Statesmen will return to action on Monday at Loyola University of New Orlean. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.

15 October 2007

STATESMEN AND LADY STATESMEN BASKETBALL TO BEGIN FALL PRACTICE TUESDAY

CLEVELAND – Preparation for the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball season will hit full stride on Tuesday, as the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen of Delta State University begin fall practice at Walter Sillers Coliseum.  The Statesmen, under the direction of head coach Jason Conner, will start practice at 3 p.m., while coach Sandra Rushing’s Lady Statesmen will open practice at 8:30 p.m. 

The Lady Statesmen, two-time defending Gulf South Conference champions, will open the season ranked No.7 in the preseason Division II Bulletin Top 25 Poll.  Delta State finished last season 28-3 and advanced to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.  Jennifer Rushing returns for her senior season after capturing Kodak All-American and GSC Player of the Year honors last season. 

“My girls will tell you they’re tired of conditioning work,” said Rushing.  “We have four starters back, including Kodak All-American Jennifer Rushing, off last season’s squad and a great group of newcomers.  Practice will be exciting this fall.”

The Statesmen will feature 11 new players this year after posting an 18-10 overall record in Jason Conner’s first season as head coach.  Senior small forward Johnny Hodge, an All-GSC Second Team selection in 2006-07, will anchor the backcourt for DSU.  Chad Akins, last season’s co-GSC West Division Freshman of the Year, returns to direct one of the league’s most explosive offenses.

“We have a great group of young men on this team,” stated Conner.  “I believe we have addressed our needs in recruiting and I look forward to getting them on the court Tuesday.”

The Statesmen will open the 2007-08 campaign in an exhibition against the Rebels of Ole Miss on Nov. 2 at Tad Smith Coliseum.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.  The Lady Statesmen will open their season Nov. 5 at Tennessee-Martin.  Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.         

August 9, 2007

Statesmen Add Bevy of Newcomers

CLEVELAND – Delta State men’s basketball coach Jason Conner announced the addition of eight players to the 2007-08 roster.

Arna Selvage comes to Delta State after two years at Pearl River Community College. The 6-8 Wesson native averaged 16 points per game, 12 rebounds per game and six blocks per game at center. Selvage was a two-time All-Conference selection as a forward.

Oliver Mansour joins Selvage at the post. The 6-7 Melvouine, Australia native transferred to Delta State after two seasons at Beville State Community College. Mansour was named Second Team All-Conference his freshman season, averaging 12 points per game and eight rebounds per game.

Bradley Skipper will join the Statesmen after playing two seasons at Pensacola Junior College.  The 6-7 forward started two seasons at PJC, who competes in the Panhandle Conference, arguably the best junior college league in the country.  The Pace, Fla. native averaged eight points, six rebounds and three assists per game.

Erick Spencer is a native of Marion, Arkansas. He is transferring to DSU from Arkansas Ft. Smith. The 6-4 shooting guard averaged six points, and four rebounds a game his freshman year. He was a Junior College Academic All-American, boasting a 3.8 grade point average.

Justin Duke, a native of New Albany, played two seasons at Itawamba Community College under coach Marty Cooper. The 6-3 guard was the glue that kept the Indians battling for a spot at the top of all Mississippi junior college teams for the 2006-07 season. He averaged 11 points, four rebounds and three assists per game on a team that had eight sophomores, two D-I players and made it to the National Tournament in Kansas.

Ernesto Green played two seasons at East Central Community College under coach Maurice Bowie. Green earned All-Conference honors and was selected to play in the Mississippi North vs. South All Star Game. He was voted team captain of the 2006-07 Warriors by his peers. The 6-2 guard from Jackson led his team in scoring with 17.7 points and 4.8 assists per game.

Conner rounds out his 2007 signing class with the addition of two true freshmen guards.  Ryan Stevens comes to Cleveland from Orlando, Fla. While at Orangewood Christian HS the 6-3 Ryan averaged 19 points, 5.5 rebounds and, 4.2 assists per game. He was a member of the First Team All-Orange County Team. Stevens led the team in scoring his junior and senior year.

Xavier Ruth lettered for three years at Shannon High School under Coach Tim Vaughn. In three seasons with the Red Raiders, Ruth earned All-District all three straight seasons and All-State his senior year. The 6-3 guard demonstrates his consistency in the stat sheet, Ruth averaged 24.4 points and six rebounds per game over 3 seasons.

 

February 28, 2007

Alabama-Huntsville ends Delta State’s season with 74-69 win in First Round of Gulf South Conference Tournament

• Box Score

SOUTHAVEN - The Delta State University men’s basketball team (18-10) ended their 2006-07 campaign with a heartbreaking 69-74 loss at the hands of the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers (18-10) in the first round of the 2007 Gulf South Conference Tournament in Southaven on Wednesday at the Desoto Civic Center.

The Statesmen came out looking a little out-of-sorts as they fell behind 10-0 in the opening minutes. Staying true to form, however, coach Jason Conner’s squad battled to keep the game within reach. The Charger lead got as high as 11 off a free-throw from Jason Smith with 15:06 left in the half. The Statesmen answered with a run of their own and had the deficit down to a single goal with two minutes to play. Alabama-Huntsville was able to finish off the half on another 7-0 run to go into the locker room up nine, 34-25.

The Statesmen came out breathing fire as they outscored the Chargers 13 to 3 to start the second half, taking their first lead of the night, 38-37, off a Josh Williams three pointer. For much of the half the game went back-and-forth with the lead changing hands a couple more times. But, unfortunately for the Statesmen, UAH was able to regain control again late, rebuilding their lead as high as 10 with a minute left to play. A last ditch effort in that final minute would come up just short as DSU was only able to cut that lead to three before foul shots would put the game out of reach.

Delta State was led by Marlon McCoy, who scored a game-high 23 points in 36 minutes. Turmaine Rice added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Johnny Hodge had 14 and seven. Alabama-Huntsville had five players in double figures led by Jason Smith with 14.

The loss marked the first time since the 1983-84 season that a Delta State squad did not advance past the first round of the tournament.

February 27, 2007

Statesmen place three on All-GSC teams; Chad Akins named co-GSC West Division Freshman of the Year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Gulf South Conference announced Tuesday that Delta State University senior guards Turmaine Rice and Marlon McCoy, and junior forward Johnny Hodge had garnered All-GSC postseason honors.  Chad Akins was also named the co-GSC West Division Freshman of the Year.  It is the first time since 1998 that the Statesmen have placed three players on the All-GSC teams.

“Turmaine, Marlon, Johnny, and Chad have worked hard to get this team to where it is today,” said DSU head coach Jason Conner.  “They bought into our system from day one and have this squad ready to defend its GSC title this week at the conference tournament.” 

Turmaine Rice, a 6-foot-3 guard from Minden, La., was named to the All-GSC First Team.  Rice has led the Statesmen in scoring seven times this season, while averaging 16.8 points per game.  The deadly outside shooter has also knocked down a team-leading 69 three pointers en route to shooting 43.9 percent from beyond the arch. 

Marlon McCoy, a 6-foot-2 guard from Baton Rouge, La., and Johnny Hodge, a 6-foot-5 forward from Monroe, La., garnered All-GSC Second Team honors.  McCoy has averaged 13.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game this season for Jason Conner’s Statesmen.  The crafty shooter upped his averages to 14.8 points and 4.2 boards per game against GSC opponents this season.  Hodge leads the Statesmen in scoring this year at 17.0 points and in rebounds with 5.8 per game.  He also increased his averages to 18.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in league play.       

Chad Akins becomes only the fourth player in school history to garner GSC West Division Freshman of the Year honors.  Akins, a 6-foot-1 guard from Madison, averaged 6.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game as true freshman out of Madison Central High School.  He finished the regular season ranked fifth in steals (2.0) and ninth in assists per game in the GSC.  Akins shared the honor with Christian Brothers’ Kyle Couvion.   

The All-GSC teams and postseason honors are selected by a vote of the league’s coaches.   By league rule, no ties are broken.           

February 25, 2007

Statesmen and Lady Statesmen relish opportunity to defend Gulf South Conference titles

• GSC Tournament website

CLEVELAND – Delta State University basketball fans will have a rare opportunity to see the Statesmen (18-9, 8-6 GSC) and the fifth ranked Lady Statesmen (23-3, 13-1 GSC) defend their Gulf South Conference titles this week at the 2007 GSC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament in Southaven. The five-day event begins Wednesday at the Desoto Civic Center.

Last season, the Statesmen defeated Montevallo, 71-67, for the men’s title, while the Lady Statesmen duplicated the feat with a 64-53 win over Henderson State in the women’s championship. The GSC has only experienced same-school champions on three occasions and Delta State holds the distinction of being the only school to accomplish the feat.

This year, the Statesmen and Lady Statesmen have continued to experience success on the court. Sandra Rushing’s Lady Statesmen enters the tournament as the West Division’s top seed and will play the winner of the Henderson State-Montevallo game on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.

“We’ve prepared for this opportunity since day one,” said Rushing. “Our ladies are excited about the chance to repeat as GSC champions, but they are aware that we will have to play our best basketball yet this season.”

Jason Conner’s Statesmen, seeded fifth out of the West, will play Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. versus the Chargers of the University of Alabama at Huntsville. The game is a rematch of last year’s semifinal (DSU 74-72). The winner will face Henderson State, the West’s top seed on Friday at 12:30 p.m.

“It doesn’t feel like tournament time should be here, but our guys are excited about the chance to play in the GSC Tournament,” added Conner. “This year’s tournament is loaded with talented teams and to defend our title will be a great challenge.” Conner concluded, “I think our guys are up to it.”

Tickets are now available to this year's event and can be obtained by calling the DeSoto Civic Center Box Office at (662) 470-2131. Ticket prices are as follows: Single day (Adults $10; Children 11 and under $5); All-Tournament Passes ($35). Students and Senior citizens receive $2 discount with proper I.D. All tickets are general admission.

The Statesmen Sports Network will also have complete coverage of the tournament beginning 15 minutes before each scheduled Statesmen or Lady Statesmen contest. Matt Jones, J.T. Webb, and John Cox have the call. All SSN broadcasts will also be available online at www.GoStatesmen.com.

February 24, 2007

Reddies down Statesmen 66-54 to claim West Division title

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Delta State Statesmen (18-9, 7-7 GSC) dropped their final regular season contest of the season 66-54 at 20 th-ranked Henderson State (20-7, 11-3 GSC) Saturday night.

The Statesmen took a little while to get going against the fast-paced Reddies, falling back 10-5 early off 2-of-10 shooting, but Jason Connor’s squad would warm up tying the game 15 all at the 10-minute mark. The two teams continued the break-neck pace throughout the period, with neither team able to get much of a lead. Henderson took a three-point lead into the half at 29-26.

Delta State came out of the locker room cold, adding only four points in five minutes, allowing the Reddies to expand their lead as high as nine. But, once again, these Statesmen won’t quit, and kept battling to keep the game within reach. However, the Statesmen were never able to fully recover, as the Reddies were able to pull away late.

The Statesmen shot 34-percent for the game, going 18-of-52 from the floor and 62-percent from the charity stripe. Brian Jenkins led the Statesmen with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Johnny Hodge also scored in double-figures with 13. The Reddies were led by Dee Dee Drake with 19 points and 10 rebounds on the night.

The Statesmen will begin their Gulf South Conference Title defense Wednesday night at the 2007 GSC Basketball Tournament in Southaven. With tonight’s loss the best the Statesmen can hope for is a four-seed. Final seeding for the tournament will be out tomorrow after all of Saturday’s games are in the book.

February 22, 2007

Statesmen edge Wonder Boys 74-69 to earn berth in GSC tourney

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University men’s basketball team fought off a furious second-half effort by Arkansas Tech to snap a two-game skid and hold on for a 74-69 win Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The win sealed a GSC Tournament berth for the Statesmen next week in Southaven.

Delta State came into tonight’s game as the fourth seed in the West division, a win against Arkansas Tech would send them to Southaven for certain. The win improves them to 18-8 on the year and 8-5 in the GSC giving head coach Jason Conner his first GSC tournament appearance.

Delta State opened the game clicking on all cylinders, shooting 16-of-25 from the floor including 5-of-8 from behind the arch. Tech made a good run to start the game, leading by as many as five but fizzled in the last five minutes as the Statesmen extended their lead to 13.

Senior Turmaine Rice couldn’t miss a shot, shooting 7-of-8 from the floor including 2-of-2 from three point range to lead the Statesmen with 19 points and seven boards. Derrick White helped out with seven points of his own.

The Wonder Boys were led by Terrence Whiters’ 11 point performance, but still trailed at the break 40-27.

The second half was a different story for the Statesmen, as they looked to extend their lead with authority, going on an 18-6 run. That quickly faded as the Wonder Boys fought their way back to cut the lead to four with 1:41 reaming in the game. Despite out-shooting DSU in the second half with 48 percent from the floor, the Statesmen rallied to hold on to the lead.

Rice finished the night with a double-double performance, 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead all scorers. Derrick White helped out with 14, while Johnny Hodge threw down 13 points and four boards.

The Wonder Boys were led by Terrance Whiters who finished with 24 points and four rebounds.

The Statesmen conclude their regular season action with a trip to Arkadelphia, Ark. to take on Henderson State University Saturday. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at the Duke Wells Fieldhouse.

February 17, 2007

STATESMEN LOSE 61-65 HEARTBREAKER TO BUCS

CLEVELAND – The Statesmen dropped another close game 65-61 to the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University at home Saturday. The Statesmen fought hard in the closing minutes, but the deficit proved to be too big to overcome. Christian Brothers hit 6-of-8 free-throws over the last 1:26 seconds to seal the victory.

Delta State jumped out to an early 7-2 lead just a minute and a half into the game, and then stretched the lead to ten at 16-6 with 15:15 left in the first half. The Statesmen shooters then went ice cold, not hitting a shot over the next seven minutes to let Christian Brothers back into the game.

The Buccaneers (19-6, 8-4 Gulf South Conferenc) took their first lead at 25-24 with 4:25 left in the half when Kevin Weybright knocked down a three-point shot. The momentum was swinging toward their favor when Reggie Peyton ended up with the ball all by himself after a Statesmen turnover and slammed it home.

The Statesmen (17-8, 7-5 GSC) answered right back with two three-point baskets from the hands of Turmaine Rice and Derrick White to reclaim the lead. The Statesmen offense then got their rhythm back, outscoring the Bucs 11-6 over the last 3:46 to take a 38-33 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Delta State shot 55.2 percent from the field in the first half and the Statesmen were 4-of-8 from three-point range. Derrick White was a perfect 6-for-6 and hit both of his free-throw attempts for 15 points in the first half.

Christian Brothers shot an impressive 72.2 percent in the first half including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.

The Buccaneers quickly erased the Statesmen’s halftime lead, and gained a four point lead of their own, 47-43, with 14:09 left in the second half.

The Statesmen tied the game at 49 with just over eight minutes to play, and took a 58-57 lead with 2:06 left in the game. Unfortunately for the Statesmen, this would be the last time they would be within striking distance as the Bucs hit every key shot down the stretch.

The Statesmen shot 45.5 percent from the field for the game, but were just 3-of-7 from the free-throw line in the second half, a stat that proved to be the difference in the game.

Johnny Hodge led the Statesmen with 16 points and grabbed five rebounds, while White added 15.

Christian Brothers shot 55.8 percent on the game, and were 8-of-10 from the charity stripe in the second half.

Peyton led the Bucs with 19 points and Weybright added 16.

The Statesmen will be in action again Thursday, Feb. 22 as they host the Wonder Boys of Arkansas Tech. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Muleriders upset Statesmen 65-63

MAGNOLIA, ARK. – The Delta State Statesmen (17-6, 7-4 GSC) dropped a tough one on the road tonight in Magnolia. The Muleriders of Southern Arkansas (10-14, 4-7 GSC) defeated DSU 63-65 inside the Watson Athletic Center.

The first half saw the lead change hands 11 times, as neither team was able to pull away from the other. Both Johnny Hodge and Marlon McCoy had 10 points apiece to lead the early effort. SAU took a one-point lead into the half off a last-second floater from Cory Green.

The second half proved more of the same with nine ties and six more lead changes. The Statesmen continued to battle throughout. With a minute to play Coach Jason Connor’s men found themselves down one and on defense. Leon Stone hit a critical lay-up putting the Riders up three. Marlon McCoy raced down the court and sent up a game-tying three that landed hard off the back side of the rim. The Muleriders then sealed the victory by hitting their free-throws down the stretch.

DSU shot 44-percent for the game off 23-of-52 from the floor. The Statesmen were led by Marlon McCoy with 20 points and four rebounds. Johnny Hodge added 15 while Turmaine Rice had 10. Corey Green led the way for the Muleriders, scoring a game-high 22 points.

The Statesmen will return to Walter Sillers Saturday night, as they play host to the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

February 14, 2007

Delta State’s Turmaine Rice named Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Delta State University senior guard Turmaine Rice has been named the Gulf South Conference Men’s Basketball West Division Player of the Week for the period ending Monday, Feb. 12.  Rice earns his first award of the season and the third for the Statesmen with an outstanding week of shooting and scoring, helping DSU notch two Conference victories and improving its overall GSC record to 7-3.

The senior was instrumental in the Statesmen’s 87-83 win over Harding, scoring 29 points and knocking down 7-of-11 three pointers. The Minden, La., native went 10-for-21 from the field and hit both free throws he attempted. Rice also pulled down four boards, blocked two shots and had three steals.

In another close contest two days later, Rice came up big again, scoring 21 points, grabbing five rebounds, dishing four assists and recording a block and a steal as DSU held on and beat Arkansas-Monticello, 82-79. The floor general finished the week shooting 53 percent from behind the arc.

Rice and the Statesmen will hit the court Thursday, Feb. 15 at Southern Arkansas University.  Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center in Magnolia, Ark.           

February 10, 2007

STATESMEN WIN THRILLER IN MONTICELLO
By, Michael Nienaber

MONTICELLO, ARK. – The first 10 minutes of the game were all Weevil, but the final five were pure Statesmen, as the Delta State University men’s basketball team pulled out another spectacular come-from-behind victory, 82-79 over the University of Arkansas at Monticello.   The Statesmen improved to 17-6 overall and 7-3 in Gulf South Conference play with the win.  UAM dropped to 8-14 and 3-7 in league play. 

The Statesmen struggled to find the mark early, going just 7-of-15 from the field and only 1-of-5 from three.  The slump resulted in a Weevil lead in the first half which climbed as high as 17 before the shots began to fall.  Delta came out of the media timeout firing on all cylinders, closing the gap to just two off a 15-3 run at 4:47.  From that point on the streaks were over as both teams traded buckets for the remainder of the half.  The Weevils held on to their lead, going into the locker room up five, 41-36.

Delta battled back in the second half to bring the game to a 46-46 tie with 17 minutes remaining.  The two squads would trade buckets for the next 11 minutes with the Weevils clinging to a narrow lead until Johnny Hodge threw down a slam dunk to finally give the Statesmen a lead at 6:10.  UAM mounted a surge of their own and would tie the score with a Nate Newell three-pointer with 11 seconds left.  Then, UAM’s Chris Humes took out Johnny Hodge as he went up for a lay-up with 3.2 seconds on the clock.  Hodge missed the front-end but connected with the second.  Two more free throws from Marlon McCoy with 1.2 seconds would be all the Statesmen would need, as a last-second Hail Mary from Nate Newell landed off the top of the backboard as time expired.

DSU finished shooting 49-percent from the game, going 7-of-20 from behind the arc.  Monticello came in at 45-percent and 9-of-21 from three.  The Statesmen were led by Johnny Hodge’s 28 points and seven rebounds.  Marlon McCoy and Turmaine Rice also scored over 20 on the day, at 22 and 21 points respectively.  The Boll Weevils were led by Torre Doty with 28 points, with J.B. Williams and Nate Newell following with 24 and 22.

The Statesmen will be on the road again Thursday night as they travel to Magnolia, Ark., to take on the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30.

February 8, 2007

Statesmen claim 87-83 come-from-behind victory over Bisons

CLEVELAND – With just 12 seconds remaining in the game, the Delta State University men’s basketball team held a four point lead with Harding’s Cole Kee at the line shooting two free-throws. The senior for the Bisons missed them both with Johnny Hodge clearing the rebound for the Statesmen to seal a 10-point come-from-behind victory, 87-83 Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. With that win, the Statesmen break a three-game skid and improve to 16-6 on the year and 6-3 in the GSC. The Bison drop to 12-10, and 5-4 in conference play.

Harding came out hitting on all cylinders, going 12-of-22 from the floor. Led by Matt Hall’s 10 point effort. The Statesmen played hard in the first despite shooting 41 percent from the floor. They did manage four three pointers, three scored by Turmaine Rice alone. The Statesmen were led by Rice and Derek White with 11 each.

Delta State came out in the second half a completely different team, shooting an amazing 60 percent from the field. With just over five minutes remaining, the Statesmen took the lead and didn’t look back. Rice tuned on the heat, going 7-of-11 from behind the arch to finish with a game high 29 points. Johnny Hodge finished the night with 21 of his own, while Marlon McCoy rounded out the scoring with 19.

Harding was led by Rick Hamilton’s 20 points, while Matt Hall chipped in 18 and nine rebounds.

The Statesmen will travel to the University of Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday. Game time is set for 2 p.m. at the Steelman Field House in Monticello, Ark.

February 1, 2007

Tigers outscore Statesmen 20-9 in overtime to claim 92-81 victory

ARKADELPHIA, Ark.— Despite Justin Neely’s last second three pointer to send the game into overtime, the Delta State University men’s basketball team could not hold off the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University dropping a 92-81 loss at Bill Vining Arena on Thursday. The loss extends Delta State’s losing streak to a season-high three games.

The Statesmen fall to 15-6 on the season and 5-3 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Tigers improved to 10-10 on the year and 5-3 in league play.

Trailing by as many as 10 points late in the game, Delta State made a furious comeback to cut the Tiger lead to one with less than a minute remaining in regulation. A pair of Jaranimo Marks’ free throws extended the Tiger lead to three with 9.6 seconds left. DSU’s Justin Neely would take the inbounds pass and drive down court. As the horn sounded his 27-foot desperation heave hit nothing but net to send the game into overtime.

In overtime, the Statesmen could not solve the Tigers offense, as OBU outscored the Statesmen 20-9 in the extra period. The Tigers finished the game shooting 56 percent (30-of-53) from the floor, while DSU managed 42 percent (27-of-65). OBU out-rebounded DSU 37-30, and forced 12 Statesmen turnovers.

The first half was a back-and-forth struggle between the two GSC schools. DSU jumped out to a fast 13-4 lead, but OBU closed the half with eight points to take the lead into the locker room 32-21. Jaranimo Marks’ driving lay-up with 31 seconds left gave the Tigers the lead.

DSU connected on 11-of-27 shots in the first half for 41 percent, while OBU hit on 12-of-27 shots for 44 percent. Both teams were hot from three point range, as the Statesmen were 4-of-11 (36 percent) and the Tigers were 5-of-13 (39 percent).

Turmaine Rice led the Statesmen with a season-high 31 points. Johnny Hodge added 15 points and Derrick White dropped in 13 for DSU in the losing effort.

Memo Rodriquez paced OBU with 24 points, while Derrick Woods chipped in with 21 points and eight rebounds.

After a week layoff, the Statesmen will return to Walter Sillers Coliseum to face the Bisons of Harding University. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.

 

January 30, 2007

Deandre Chandler’s 24 points lead Central State to 85-80 victory over Delta State

CLEVELAND – Deandre Chandler’s 24 points powered the Marauders of Central State University (16-4) to an 85-80 victory over the Statesmen of Delta State University (15-5) Thursday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The loss was the second-straight for the Statesmen.

The first half saw both teams shooting well from the floor, with both teams topping the 50 percent barrier. DSU hit on 16-of-30 shots for 53 percent, while Central State connected on a blistering 20-of-29 shots for 69 percent.

The second half was more of the same, as CSU shot 58 percent on 15-of-26 from the floor. DSU managed 13-for-27 for 48 percent.

Turmaine Rice paced the Statesmen with 25 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Johnny Hodge added 17 points and seven rebounds, while Derrick White tallied 15 points. Chad Akins dished out six assists and scored eight points as well.

DSU finished the game 29-of-57 for 51 percent, while CSU shot 35-of-55 for 64 percent. The Marauders also out-rebounded DSU 28-23, and forced 21 Statesmen turnovers.

Derrick Chandler hit on 11-of-12 shots for 24 points to lead CSU. William Gaines scored 18 points as well.

The Statesmen return to Gulf South Conference action this Thursday, February 1 at Ouachita Baptist University. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. at Bill Vining Arena in Arkadelphia, Ark.

 

January 27, 2007

ATLANTA HAWKS SIGN FORMER STATESMEN JEREMY RICHARDSON TO 10-DAY CONTRACT

GREENVILLE, S.C.- The Atlanta Hawks today signed Fort Worth Flyers forward Jeremy Richardson to a 10-day contract, according to Hawks’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight. Richardson is the seventh Gatorade Call-Up from the NBA Development League this season, the second from the Flyers.

The 6-foot-7 Richardson has started 15 games this season for the Flyers, averaging 18.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.5 apg (.466 FG%, .404 3FG%, .864 FT%). He is tied for 11th in the league in scoring. Richardson was selected by the Flyers with the ninth pick of the second round in the 2006 D-League Draft.

Last season at Delta State University, Richardson started all 31 games, and averaged 17.8 ppg and 5.0 rpg (.492 FG%, .404 3FG%, .810 FT%), leading the Statesmen with 65 3-pointers made, and scoring 20 or more points 12 times. He put in 15.0 ppg and 4.2 rpg as a junior in 2004-05.

He was named First Team All-Gulf South Conference following both his junior and senior campaigns, and is the school’s 14th all-time leading scorer. Richardson played his first two collegiate seasons at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS.

Release courtesy of NBA D-League, and photo by Lane Murdoch (NBAE/Getty Images).

January 27, 2007

17th-ranked Reddies steal 62-55 victory over 20th-ranked Statesmen

CLEVELAND – Delta State lost another emotional thrill ride as the 17 th-ranked Reddies of Henderson State University held off the charging Statesmen late in the game to win 62-55.

Down 12 with just under nine minutes left in the game, the Statesmen went on a 12-2 run to cut the lead to two, 55-53, with a minute left in the game. The Reddies hit four free-throws in the final minute to clinch the victory.

The loss was the second in two games for the Statesmen against ranked opponents and gives them an overall record of 15-4, ( 5-2 Gulf South Conference.) The win pushed the Reddies record to 15-5, and they now hold sole possession of first place in the GSC West with a 6-1 mark.

The Statesmen jumped out to an early 8-2 lead after the first four minutes of the first half, but the Reddies fought back with a 9-1 run of their own to take their first lead of the game with just over 11 minutes left in the first half.

The Reddies stretched the lead to five and were gaining steam before Josh Williams stole the inbound pass after a pair of Johnny Hodge free throws and set up Derrick White for a lay-up to cut the lead to one, 15-14 with 6:19 left in the half.

The Reddies didn’t waste any time regaining the momentum, as they outscored the Statesmen 13-8 to take a 28-22 lead at halftime.

The Statesmen shot 38.1 percent from the field in the first half and connected on just 1-of-8 attempts from three point range. The Statesmen hit just 5-of-9 from the free-throw line and were out-rebounded 15-12.

The Reddies shot 47.6 percent from the field, but hit 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. They also hit four free-throws for 57.1 percent from the charity stripe.

Hodge led the Statesmen with 17 points, and Marlon McCoy added 10 as the only other Statesmen shooter in double digits.

The Statesmen shot just 43.8 percent from the field and never found the touch from three-point range, shooting just 1-of-14 from beyond the arc.

Dee Dee Drake led all scorers with 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the Reddies.

Henderson State shot 59.5 percent from the field, 50.0 percent from three-point range.

The Statesmen will be in action at home Tuesday, Jan. 30 as they host the Marauders of Central State. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m.

January 25, 2007

Hodge and Rice combine for 37 points to lead 20th-ranked Statesmen to 90-77 victory at Arkansas Tech

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Johnny Hodge and Turmaine Rice combined for 37 points to lead the 20th-ranked Delta State University men’s basketball team to a 90-77 victory over Arkansas Tech University Thursday at Tucker Coliseum.  .  The Statesmen improved to 15-3 overall and 5-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Wonder Boys fall to 4-14 overall and 0-6 in conference.

Johnny Hodge, a 6-foot-5 forward from Monroe, La., led the Statesmen with 19 points and nine rebounds.  Turmaine Rice added 18 points and three rebounds in the win.  Delta State’s victory combined with Henderson State’s loss gives the Statesmen a share of the GSC West Division lead.  

The Statesmen finished the game shooting 53 percent from the floor on 31-of-58 shooting.  The Wonder Boys also shot 53 percent on 30-of-56 shooting.  DSU nailed 6-of-19 shots from three point range, and 22-of-31 shots from the free throw line.  ATU managed 4-of-12 shots from three point land, and 13-of-29 from the free throw line. 

Delta State out-rebounded Arkansas Tech 40-29, and both teams combined for 37 turnovers.  DSU pulled down 11 second half rebounds as well.   

Sloppy play cost both teams opportunities in the first half, as Delta State carried a 42-35 lead into the locker room at halftime.  DSU and ATU combined for 23 first half turnovers, and an abysmal 10-for-27 from the free throw line. 

Turmaine Rice led the Statesmen in the first half with 13 points, while Johnny Hodge dropped in 12 points and cleared five boards.  Terrence Whiters led ATU and all scorers with 16 points. 

The Statesmen shot an impressive 53 percent (13-of-32) in the opening half, but failed to take advantage of free throw opportunities, connecting on just 5-of-11 attempts (46 percent).  The Wonder Boys shot a blistering 56 percent on 14-of-25 shooting, but also failed miserably at the free throw line connecting on 5-of-16 free throw attempts.  DSU out-rebounded ATU 21-16 in the first half. 

Derek White dropped in 14 points, while David Clark and Marlon McCoy added 12 points for the Statesmen.  ATU’s Terrence Whiters led all scorers with 27 points.  The junior from Baltimore also set a new ATU record for steals in a game with eight. 

The Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Saturday, January 27 versus Henderson State University.  Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.

January 20, 2007

#17-RANKED STATESMEN DROP CLOSE ONE 65-68 TO #20-RANKED BUCCANEERS

MEMPHIS, TENN.– Delta State lost a heartbreaker Saturday at Christian Brothers University 68-65. The loss snapped DSU's 12-game win streak.

The first half between the No. 17 Statesmen and the No. 20 Bucs was everything it was expected to be. The lead changed seven times, and the score was tied three times. The Statesmen held the biggest lead of the half at five and were out front for most of the half. However, Christian Brothers (15-3, 4-1 Gulf South Conference) found their rhythm and took advantage of sloppy play by the Statesmen (14-3, 4-1 GSC) late in the half. The Bucs outscored DSU 13-4 over the last few minutes to head into the locker room with a 33-29 lead.

Delta State shot 58.3 percent from the field. However, hit just one of seven three-point attempts and didn’t get to the foul line at all, despite six fouls by the Bucs. They also turned the ball over nine times, leading to eight Buccaneer points.

CBU shot 46.2 percent from the field, including six baskets from behind the arc.

Hodge finished with 22 points and eight rebounds to lead the Statesmen in both categories. Turmaine Rice added 16 and White scored 11. The Statesmen shot 51.0 percent from the field for the game and 75.0 percent from the charity stripe.

Kevin Weybright lived up to all the hype, scoring 24 points and grabbing nine rebounds for the Bucs, while Nick Kohs added 13. Kyle Couvion and Reggie Peyton each scored 10 a piece. CBU shot 48.9 percent from the field and connected 68.4 percent from the free throw line.

The Statesmen will be on the road again Thursday at Arkansas Tech, with tip-off set for 8:00 p.m. at Tucker Coliseum.

 

January 18, 2007

#17-RANKED STATESMEN CLAIM 12TH-STRAIGHT 66-61 OVER MULERIDERS

CLEVELAND - The No. 17 Statesmen showed the kind of heart and character that has come to be expected of a Delta State basketball team. Down by as many as seven points as late as six minutes to go in the game, the Statesmen stayed calm and collected as they trapped and pressed their way to a 66-61 victory over the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

The Statesmen defense stiffened and the offense continued their hot shooting as they broke a 12-12 tie mid-way through the first half and stretched their lead to 31-25 before the final buzzer of the half.

The Statesmen (14-2, 4-0 Gulf South Conference) shot 50.0 percent from the field in the first half, while the Muleriders (7-10, 1-3 GSC) were held to just 38.5 percent. Both teams made three, three-point shots, and both made all of their free-throw attempts, DSU with four and SAU with 2.

Turnovers were the difference as the Statesmen committed just seven to the Muleriders nine, but were able to turn those nine into 11 points, while the Muleriders could score just four points off turnovers.

The Muleriders came out firing in the second half, taking just under five minutes to tie the game at 37-37. The Muleriders took the lead and extended it to eight with 7:38 left in the game before the Statesmen regained their composure and began cutting into the lead.

Marlon McCoy gave the lead back to the Statesmen with 4:35 left in the game. The Statesmen hit 6-of-8 free-throws down the stretch to claim the win.

McCoy was one rebound away from a double-double, dropping 22 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Statesmen in both categories. Derrick White added 15 points and Turmaine Rice scored 11.

Mori Turpin led the Muleriders with 21 points, and Brandon Bealer added 12 in the loss.

The Statesmen shot 46.9 percent from the field, but hit 15-of-19 from the charity stripe. They also turned the Muleriders 18 turnovers into 19 points.

The Statesmen will be on the road Saturday as they travel to Memphis to take on the No. 20 Buccaneers of Christian Brothers at 4:00 p.m.

 

January 17, 2007

DELTA STATE’S MARLON McCOY NAMED GSC WEST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

CLEVELAND – Delta State University senior guard Marlon McCoy has been named the Gulf South Conference West Division Player of the Week for the period ending Monday, January 15.  It is the first honor for McCoy this season, and the second for Jason Conner’s Statesmen. 

Marlon McCoy, a 6-foot-3 senior from Baton Rouge, La., averaged 26.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in the Statesmen’s 2-0 week.  He also tallied a 66.7 percentage from the field and from three-point range and added a 16-for-16 effort at the free throw line.
           
The junior was one rebound away from a double-double, pouring in 24 points and grabbing a career-high nine rebounds in a 78-65 victory at Harding.  He capped the week, hitting for a career-high 28 points, while adding five boards in Delta State’s 11th straight win, 79-69 at home over Arkansas-Monticello.

McCoy and the Statesmen return to action on Thursday, January 18 versus the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum. 

January 17, 2007

DELTA STATE’S 11-GAME WIN STREAK VAULTS STATESMEN TO NO. 17 IN NABC POLL

CLEVELAND – The Delta State University men’s basketball team has claimed 11-straight victories, and on Tuesday Jason Conner’s Statesmen climbed five spots to No. 17 in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches NCAA Division II Top 25 Poll.  The Statesmen (13-2, 3-0 GSC) received 72 votes in this week’s poll after holding down No. 22 in the January 9 rankings. 

The Statesmen continued their win streak with a pair of impressive victories last week.  DSU opened the week with a 78-65 victory over Harding University at Rhodes Field House in Searcy, Ark. on January 11.  Conner and the Statesmen followed the Harding win with an emotional 79-69 win over Arkansas-Monticello at Walter Sillers Coliseum on January 13.

Defending NCAA champion Winona State (15-0) claimed all eight first place votes for a fifth-straight week.  Clayton State (15-0) remained No. 2 followed by Central Missouri (14-0), Bentley (16-0), and Minnesota State (17-1) in the top five. 

The Gulf South Conference was also represented by No. 20 Christian Brothers (13-3).  Henderson State and Alabama-Huntsville were among the other schools receiving votes.     

The Statesmen return to action on Thursday, January 18 versus the Muleriders of Southern Arkansas University.  Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum. 

January 22, 2007

22nd-RANKED STATESMEN CLAIM 11TH-STRAIGHT WITH 79-69 WIN OVER UAM

CLEVELAND- The Delta State men’s basketball team needed a win Saturday, not only to keep their win streak alive, but for redemption after last year’s loss in the NCAA South Regional. Arkansas-Monticello came into Cleveland to repeat an upset; instead they went home with a 79-69 loss. The win makes it 11 in a row for the Statesmen and improves their record to 13-2 overall and 3-0 in the GSC. UAM drops to 6-9 and 1-2 in conference play. 
           
A first half packed full of excitement didn’t do any justice on the scoreboard as both teams were deadlocked at the break, 33-33. UAM came out of the gates early as Nate Newell kept the crowd quiet with his 15 point performance, including 3-of-6 from behind the arch. The Boll Weevils shot 46 percent from the field while out-rebounding the Statesmen 23-18.
             
DSU was led by Marlon McCoy who had 10 points and three boards, while Johnny Hodge cleaned the glass with nine of his own. The fans were not left disappointed as Turmaine Rice ended the half with a buzzer beater that tied the game.
           
Following the break, both teams were neck-and-neck. Midway through the half, the Statesmen took a commanding 60-53 lead. The Statesmen played hard in the paint, with Hodge and David Clark taking control under the basket on both offense and defense.
           
DSU broke through shooting 72 percent from the floor, including 6-of-7 from behind the arch while holding the Weevils to 47 percent shooting.
           
The Statesmen were led by McCoy with a career-high 28 points.  Rice knocked down 17 of his own and Hodge finished with the only double-double, 13 points and 13 boards.
           
Newell finished with 26 for the Weevils, while J.B. Williams chipped in with 15.
           
The Statesmen will hos