Delta State earned a spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament with an 85-77 win over Mississippi College on Friday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The victory, combined with Lee University’s 89-81 win over Union, secured the No. 8 seed for the Statesmen, according to the school.
The Statesmen shot 52.8% from the field and 48.3% from three-point range. They built a 38-33 halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half. Delta State led for more than 35 minutes and never trailed after the 16:15 mark of the first half.
Je’Marion Westbrook led Delta State with 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including five three-pointers, and added 10 rebounds for a double-double. DaCory Porter scored 18 points and dished out eight assists. Phillip Hughes contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Samuel Whitmer finished with 11 points, and Brendan Braddix scored eight off the bench.
The team hit 14 three-pointers and went 15-of-17 at the free-throw line. They also held a 33-28 rebounding advantage and outscored Mississippi College’s bench 14-9. The Choctaws were led by DeMarcus Powe, who scored 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting. Avaughn Johnson added 15 points and eight rebounds, while Phil Nelson scored 18.
Delta State will open the GSC Tournament next week as the No. 8 seed. The team, which finished the regular season with three wins in its final four games, will travel to Livingston, Alabama, to face West Alabama on Monday night.
