Valdosta State Outlasts Delta State in Overtime in GSC Showdown

Cleveland, Miss. — Delta State’s men’s basketball team lost to Valdosta State 112-103 in overtime Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Gulf South Conference game was tied after regulation, with Delta State forcing the extra period behind a career-best performance from Elisha Puckett.

Puckett scored a career-high 26 points on 10-for-17 shooting, including four three-pointers. His clutch go-ahead three with just over a minute remaining in regulation gave the Statesmen a 93-91 lead. Puckett also added five rebounds and was key in keeping Delta State competitive throughout the contest, according to sources.

Je’Marion Westbrook contributed 22 points and nine rebounds. Bryce Clayton added 16 points on a perfect 6-for-7 shooting effort. DaCory Porter scored 20 points and was perfect at the free-throw line, hitting 12 of 14 attempts. The team shot over 42% from the field and made 16 three-pointers, showcasing offensive potential against a top conference opponent.

The game was highly competitive, with 22 lead changes and nine ties. Delta State trailed by as many as eight points in the first half but responded with strong shooting and defense. The teams exchanged leads throughout the second half, with Delta State building its largest lead of eight points with just over seven minutes left. However, Valdosta State answered back, tying the game at 94-94 and pushing it to overtime.

In the extra period, the Blazers capitalized on second-chance opportunities and free throws, outscoring Delta State 18-9 to secure the win. Valdosta State finished with 58 points in the paint and held a rebounding edge that proved decisive in the final minutes. The Statesmen will play their next game Saturday against West Florida at approximately 4 p.m. Central Time.

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