CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen lost a six point lead with 19 seconds remaining, as the Valdosta State University Blazers Stole a 68-67 victory Tuesday over DSU at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
The Statesmen started off strong, taking a 10 point lead on a three point basket by
Marc Liyanage with 12:14 remaining in the opening period. The Statesmen took a 34-22 lead at the break, after
Chris Poellnitz hit his second three pointer of the half.
Poellnitz paced the Statesmen with 12 points in the opening frame on 4-7 from the floor while shooting 2-of-4 from three.
Will Alston paced the Blazers with seven points.
After the break, the Statesmen continued to hold the lead over VSU until Martrez Scott connected on a free throw with 10:30 remaining to give the Blazers a 46-45 edge over DSU.
Both teams exchanged the lead until the Statesmen took a six point advantage with 19 ticks left on the clock.
Following a pair of missed free throws, the Blazers cut the Statesmen lead to one on a three point basket by Tristan Steele with eight seconds remaining.
After a timeout, the Statesmen had the inbound stolen with 4.4 seconds remaining. Following a time out, Martrez Scott drove to the bucket for a layup with .2 seconds left, which sealed the victory for the Blazers.
Poellnitz led all scorers with 21 points, while Mitchell and
Phil Turner added 17 and 12 respectively.
DSU shot 43.1 percent from the floor, and 11-of-16 (68.6 percent) from the free throw line. The Statesmen won the battle on the boards, grabbing 40 rebounds to VSU's 35.
Will Alston led VSU with 14 points while Scott added 12. Josh Sparks grabbed six rebounds for VSU in the win.
The Statesmen return to action on Thursday, December 16 as they take on the Hornets of Concordia College.
Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
