CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Statesmen (5-6) defeated the Hornets of Concordia-Selma College 91-75, Thursday at Walter Sillers Coliseum. DSU started the game on a 19-3 run as Jamarkus Holt connected for a jumper to extend the Statesmen lead to 16 with 14:44 remaining in the opening frame.

The lead grew to 27 for the Statesmen as senior Phil Turner connected on a layup to put DSU in the lead 32-5 with 8:38 remaining until the half. The Hornets would fight their way back cutting the deficit to 15 on a three point basket by Mondarius Harris with 38 seconds left in the first frame.

The Statesmen would take the 15 point advantage into the locker room at the half leading Concordia-Selma 50-35.

Delta State shot 49.3 percent from the floor in the opening period to CSC's 42 percent. Senior, Arian Maliqi guided the Statesmen with 12 first half points while Holt added 10 points. DSU out rebounded the Hornets 26-18 in the opening frame while Holt grabbed nine boards.

Gabriel Ball paced the Hornets with 12 points as Harris chipped in 11 points.

In the second half, DSU built the lead back to twenty after a layup by Chris Poellnitz as the Statesmen led 60-40 with 16:01 left in the game.

Concordia turned up the intensity as they cut the DSU lead to nine points as Ryan Ware drained one from long range. Statesmen lead 71-62 with 5:42 remaining. Nine points is as close as Concordia would get as the Statesmen gained the victory 91-75.

DSU had four in double figures, including Poellnitz, Maliqi and Holt who all scored 16 in the victory. Turner added 12 points respectively.

The Statesmen won the battle on the boards 47-40 as Holt grabbed 15 rebounds. The Statesmen shot 49.3 percent from the floor.

Ball led the Hornets with 24 points while shooting 7-14 from beyond the arch. Harris added 13 while Ryan Ware added 10 points in the loss.

The Statesmen return to the court at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tenn. Tip off is set for 8 p.m.in the new year, January 3rd, 2011.