MONTICELLO, Ark. – Senior point guard Chad Akins scored a career-high 24 points and dished out six assists, as the Statesmen of Delta State University defeated the Boll Weevils of the University of Arkansas-Monticello 83-73 Thursday at Steelman Fieldhouse. 

The Statesmen improved to 11-3 on the year, while remaining undefeated in Gulf South Conference West
Division play at 2-0.  UAM slipped to 6-6 and 1-1 in league play.

With the game in the balance and a one point lead, 52-51, the Statesmen took command over the final eight minutes of play to cruise to the 83-73 win.  

After shooting just 40 percent in the first half, the Statesmen delivered from the field, connecting on 15-of-27 in the second half to finish the game at 48.1 percent on 26-of-54 attempts.  UAM was 27-of-57 from the field for 47.4 percent. 

DSU was 10-of-23 from three-point range and 21-of-31 from the line, while UAM was a mere 8-of-25 from deep and just 11-of-23 from the line.

The Boll Weevils out-rebounded the Statesmen 37-33, but DSU's bench outscored UAM's 33-20 in the win.

Akins, who's 24 points led all scorers, connected on 6-of-7 from the field, 3-of-3 from three-point range and 9-of-12 from the line in the win. 

Four other Statesmen scored in double figures, including Eric Spencer (15), Joe McCray (12), Dino Hair (11) and Roderick Ollie (10). 

Jarrell Turner led UAM with 23 points, while Nick Carey added 18 points.

The Statesmen and Boll Weevils struggled from the field early, as neither team cracked double figures until DSU took an 11-7 lead with 10:53 remaining in the half on Eric Spencer's driving lay-up.

The offense picked up for both teams at that point, as DSU and UAM traded baskets and free throw attempts for the final 9:06 with the Statesmen holding a 34-30 lead at the break.

DSU shot 40.7 percent (11-of-27) in the half, while UAM nearly matched the percentage, connecting on 12-of-30 shots for 40.0 percent. 

The Statesmen took advantage of the Boll Weevils struggles at the free throw line, UAM hit on just 3-of-10 in the first half, to go on an 8-2 run to close the half.

Chad Akins led all scorers with 13 points at the break.  UAM's Nick Carey had 10.

The Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum this Saturday, Jan. 16, as Delta State hosts the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University.  Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to tipoff with the “SouthGroup Insurance Locker Room Report.”  Jimmy Smith and J.T. Webb have the call.