LAKELAND, Fla. - The Delta State University men's basketball team was eliminated in the first round of the 2009 NCAA South Region Tournament by Gulf South Conference West Division foe Christian Brothers University, 63-54, Saturday at Jenkins Fieldhouse.

The Buccaneers (23-6), started out the contest hot from the field scoring the first ten points of the game to put the Statesmen (21-9) behind early on. The Statesmen, made a 12-1 run, to take a 12-11 lead with 12:10 remaining in the first half.

However, the Bucs would respond with a solid run at the end of the half from All GSC performers Reggie Peyton and Nick Kohs. Peyton scored eight points and center Kohs led the way for the Bucs with nine to put the Bucs up 27-20 at the break.

Arian Maliqi led the way in the first half for the Statesmen, with eight first half points. CBU shot 11-of-31 (35.5), while holding the Statesmen to 8-of-28 (28.6) from the floor in the opening half.

CBU didn't waste any time after the break, as they continued to push the lead on the Statesmen. CBU led by as many as 14 in the second half, as the Bucs took a 48-34 lead with a free throw from Scott Dennis with 6:02 left.

The Statesmen did not throw in the towel, as coach Jason Conner's team made a 9-1 run to cut the lead to 49-43 with 3:47 left in the game.

CBU was able to salt the game away from the free throw line, to hang on for the nine point win, 63-54.

Kohs had a game high 22 points for CBU, but it was the play of guard Reggie Peyton that seemed to keep the Statesmen trailing. Peyton finished with 18 points in the win.

Arian Maliqi and senior Oliver Mansour were the only two in double figures for DSU. Maliqi finished with 15 points, while Mansour finished with 13 points and seven rebounds. Senior Brad Skipper finished on an excellent note, as he scored four points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds.

The Statesmen finish their season 21-9, while Christian Brothers moves on to play the winner of Valdosta State and Claflin, for the right to play for a spot in the Sweet 16.

Delta State will return to Cleveland on Saturday night. The team is expected to arrive at Walter Sillers Coliseum around 10 p.m.