CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen battled hard in the second half, but the deficit became too deep as the Statesmen fell to Arkansas-Monticello 70-75 Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. 

Delta State falls to 11-4 on the season and 1-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Boll Weevils improve to 12-3, (1-1). 

The Boll Weevils took an early 4-0 lead to start the game, but that was short lived as the Statesmen rallied back to score seven unanswered points. 

Delta State held on to the lead with about two minutes left to play before the visitors went on an 8-1 run to close out the first half with a 29-24 advantage, 

The Statesmen shot below par at 35 percent, including 4-of-10 from three point range. The Boll Weevils shot 42 percent however were just 1-of-7 from down town and 0-for-3 in free throws. 

Joe McCray led all scorers with eight points. 

The Boll Weevils opened up the second half on a 7-0 run, keeping the Statesmen scoreless for nearly six minutes. 

The Statesmen would trail by 12 points with a little over 10 minutes left to play, however their efforts to cut the lead was not enough as Arkansas-Monticello maintained their game plan down the stretch. 

The Statesmen had a much better in the second half statistically; however for the game, they shot 43 percent. UAM were impressive in the second half, going 13-of-20 including 72 percent from the line. 

Alton Robinson narrowly missed a double-double for the Statesmen, scoring 21 points while grabbing nine rebounds. Eric Spencer topped out at 18 while McCray finished with 11. 

Raymond Wright finished with a game-high 25 for the visitors. 

The Statesmen will go on the road this Saturday as they travel to Memphis to battle Christian Brothers. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.