CLEVELAND, MISS. - Arian Maliqi scored 17 points in the opening period to lead the Statesmen of Delta State University (4-4) over the Wolves of the University of West Georgia (3-3) 88-72, Saturday in a non-conference matchup at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Statesmen won the last meeting against UWG 94-77 on December 3, 2009 and lead the all-time series 23-11.

In the first half, senior guard Phil Turner got the Statesmen rolling as he drained a three pointer with 19:38 to play. The Wolves and DSU battled at the beginning  of the half with the score remaining close but a three point basket by senior Arian Maliqi put DSU up by nine and the Statesmen never looked back taking a 40-26 lead into the locker room.

DSU shot 52.2 percent from the floor to the Wolves 30.8 percent. The Statesmen led the battle on the boards grabbing 20 rebounds to UWG's 15. Maliqi led all scorers with 17 points. Senior Jamarkus Holt added eight points. Forward Ken Mitchell grabbed four rebounds for the Statesmen. Deion Sims led the Wolves with nine points.

DSU opened the second half on a 12-5 run after a two point basket by Phil Turner. The lead grew to 19 after a bucket by freshman guard Marc Liyanage with 9:21 left in the game. UWG would cut the lead to 74-60 with 3:50 remaining. The Statesmen offense was too strong as Maliqi connected from beyond the arch extending the lead, DSU 79-UWG 62.

The Wolves would make one last run in the final two minutes cutting the lead to 11 on a basket by Da'Ron Sims. The Statesmen finished the game on a three by Maliqi, defeating the Wolves 88-72.

Maliqi led all scorers with 22 points shooting 4-6 from beyond the arch. Turner added 16 points while Holt chipped in 13 in the win. Sims and Justin Cummings both scored 13 points in the loss for West Georgia. The Statesmen shot 59.2 percent from the floor to the Wolves 40.9 percent. DSU outrebounded UWG 45-29

The Statesmen return to the hardwood versus the University of West Florida on December 12. Tipoff is set for 4 pm at Walter Sillers Coliseum.