HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Delta State University’s men’s basketball team lost a 69-67 nail-biter at UAH inside Spragins Hall on Wednesday night. The Statesmen (8-12, 5-10 Gulf South Conference) battled throughout the game, which featured multiple lead changes and tight play down the stretch.
Delta State trailed 27-26 at halftime but scored 41 points in the second half to stay competitive. DaCory Porter led the team with 19 points, including key free throws late. Bryce Clayton added 17 points, making three three-pointers. Elisha Puckett scored a career-high 18 points off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers to spark the offense.
The Statesmen’s bench contributed 22 points, and they forced 15 UAH turnovers. Delta State built a 10-point lead in the first half before UAH responded with a late run to take a one-point lead at halftime. The Chargers extended their lead to double digits in the second half, but Delta State responded with clutch shooting and defensive stops.
Porter and Clayton helped fuel a late surge, narrowing the gap to two points in the final seconds. However, UAH held on at the free-throw line to secure the win. The Statesmen shot 42.1% from the field and 30.0% from three-point range, while also winning the bench scoring battle 22-9. They also forced 15 turnovers but were outscored at the foul line.
Delta State returns to action Saturday afternoon with a road game against West Alabama in Livingston, continuing Gulf South Conference play.
