SELMA, Ala. – After a sluggish first half that ended tied at 30-30, the Delta State University Statesmen (9-3) basketball team outscored the Hornets (1-14) of Concordia College 52-18 over the final 20 minutes for an 82-48 victory at Hornets Gymnasium. 

The Statesmen were led by junior guard Jeremie Davis, who led all scorers and established a new career high with 27 points. The Arcadia, La., native also grabbed eight rebounds in the win. 

DSU shot a blistering 50 percent in the second half, connecting on 16-of-32 shots. The Statesmen also hit on 7-of-12 three pointers in the second after hitting just 1-of-17 in the first. 

Chad Akins finished with 12 points and six assists, while Marqueys Brown added 10 points and nine boards. 

Concordia's Zach Williams finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

The Statesmen got off to a slow start in the first half, shooting just 9-of-34 from the field for 26.5 percent. Rebounding and tenacious defense kept the green-and-white in the half, as Concordia shot 11-of-29 from the floor for 37.9 percent and an outstanding 44 percent (4-of-9) from three point range. 

Jeremie Davis led the Statesmen with nine points. Chad Akins had seven points and four assists, while Joe McCray grabbed seven rebounds for DSU. 

Concordia's Avery Stewart led all scorers at the half with 11 points. 

The Statesmen return to the hardwood Saturday, Jan. 9 at Ouachita Baptist University in the Gulf South Conference opener for both schools. Game time is set for 5 p.m. and the matchup will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to tipoff. Jimmy Smith, J.T. Webb and Oliver Mansour will have the call from Bill Vining Arena in Arkadelphia, Ark.