CLEVELAND- The Delta State University men's basketball team came one point away from reaching the century mark for the fourth time this season, but in the end the Statesmen edged Henderson State, 99-59, Saturday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. With the win, the Statesmen improve to 15-5 and 5-2 in GSC play, while the Reddies drop to 3-16 overall and 1-6 in league play. 

The Statesmen were looking for their fourth win in a row, and got off to a hot start. The action went back and forth in the opening eight minutes, before the Statesmen opened up with a 23-0 run with 12 minutes left to play in the first half to give them a huge lead, 48-20 at the break.   

Delta State shot 44 percent in the first half, including 11-of-15 from the line. Delta State's defense played well, forcing 12 turnovers in the half and were able to convert 20 points off those turnovers. 

Henderson State was held to 27 percent and 0-for-8 from down town.  

The second half almost mirrored the first, as far as statistics, with slight improvements from both teams.
The Statesmen made two more baskets, and had one fewer attempt as a team, shooting 51 percent. Delta State had the slight edge inside, scoring 42 points in the paint and converted 29 points off 18 Reddie turnovers. 

Alton Robinson notched 20 points and three rebounds, one of four Statesmen to crack double-digits. 
Eric Spencer finished with 12, while Joe McCray and Stan Copeland finished with 10 points apiece. 

Henderson was led by Mitchell Martin who finished with 12. 

The Statesmen will be back in action on the road this Thursday, as they battle Ouachita Baptist in Arkadelphia, Ark. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.