SEARCY, Ark. – Oliver Mansour's lay-up with 38 seconds remaining proved to be the difference, as the Delta State University men's basketball claimed a 72-70 victory over Harding on the road Thursday at Rhodes Field House. The victory was the third straight in Gulf South Conference play for Jason Conner's Statesmen (14-5, 4-2 GSC), who moved into a second place tie in the West Division.

“This was a huge win on the road for us tonight,” said Jason Conner, DSU head coach. “Ollie (Mansour) made a great cut to the basket and Chad Akins found him for the win. Our guys fought it all night and I am so pleased with this win. We host Henderson State Saturday and it will be another GSC war.”

The Statesmen and Bisons ended a hard fought first half exactly where they started, dead even at 31-31, with Chad Akins setting the tone with 10 points and four assists in 13 minutes.

Alton Robinson added eight points posting up on the inside, while Joe McCray dropped in two three-point buckets for eight first half points, as well.

The Statesmen were just 12-of-38 from the field, shooting 31.6 percent, but the Bisons were only a few percentage points better in the first half, making 10-of-30 baskets. The Statesmen grabbed 26 rebounds to the Bisons 22, but the difference was the 8-of-9 mark the Bisons posted in the first half from the free throw line compared to the 4-of-8 the Statesmen shot.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw 18 combined fouls called between the two teams, but neither team could take advantage of their free throw opportunities. DSU held a slight 52-47 lead with 9:42 to go at the media timeout.

With a six point lead and just under three minutes remaining in the game, Harding made a run and with exactly 1:00 left Stephen Barnett hit a key free throw to tie the game at 70-70.

Barnett missed the second free throw and Harding grabbed the ensuing rebound. Bennett was called for traveling turning the ball over to the Statesmen with 55 seconds left.

Mansour's lay-up came after a perfect screen by Alton Robinson freed the 6-foot-8 forward who laid it in for the 72-70 lead.

Harding's final shot attempt found the iron unkind, as DSU held on for the 72-70 win.

Chad Akins led the Statesmen, who shot 38 percent for the game, with a career-high 22 points and seven assists. Alton Robinson added 18 point and eight rebounds. Joe McCray was also in double-figures with 11 points.

Harding shot just 32 percent, but had 41 free throw attempts on the night. Trent Morgan and Sam Brown finished with 13 points each to lead HU.

The Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum Saturday, as Delta State plays host to Henderson State University. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. DSU Athletics will host the second annual “Team Up to Read” event. Anyone bringing a children's book to the game will receive free admission and a coupon for free popcorn at the concession stand. Aramark, Delta State's concession provider, will offer a family pack special featuring four hotdogs, drinks and popcorns for $16. For more information, please contact the DSU Department of Athletics at (662) 846-4300.