CLEVELAND - The Delta State University men's basketball team took the lead midway through the first half and never looked back, as they tamed the Tigers of West Alabama, 93-59, Tuesday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Delta State improves to 5-2 on the season, as the Tigers fall to 2-4.

The Statesmen and Tigers battled for the opening five minutes, both teams struggling to find the bucket. The uncharacteristic play by the Statesmen quickly ended, as they began to establish their rhythm taking a 10 point lead. Delta State continued to find their touch as the first half came to a close, holding on for a 34-23 lead at the break.

Joe McCray once again got off to a hot start, as the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native poured in 10 points in 17 minutes on the floor to lead the Statesmen. Teammate Arian Maliqi dominated the boards in the first half, picking up seven boards with five points.

Both squads shot 36 percent from the floor; however the Statesmen were perfect from the line going 5-of-5.

Jason Swanson paced the Tigers in the first half with 13 points.

Delta State picked up where they left off early in the second half, as the offensive attack gave them an
18-point advantage with a little over 15 minutes left to play. The lead would be extended to 38 points with the Statesmen claiming the 34 point win, 93-59.

McCray led the Statesmen with a career-high 20 points, and was one of five players to finish in double figures. Eric Spencer finished with 13 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Maliqi finished with 12. Stanley Copeland (11) and Dmitry Pirshin (10) rounded out the top scorers.

The Statesmen finished with 45 percent shooting from the floor, including 18-of-22 from the free-throw line.

Swanson finished with a game-high 23 points in the loss for the Tigers.

The Statesmen will travel to Selma, Ala., to take on Concordia College Thursday, Dec. 4. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.