JACKSON, Tenn. – A strong second half surge and the 20 points by Nakeem Floyd lifted the Lambuth Eagles (5-6) over the Delta State University Statesmen (5-7), 74-68, at Pepper Bray Court Monday night.

The Statesmen struggled offensively throughout the second half, but trailed by only a point, 57-56, with less than 10 minutes to play. The Eagles took advantage of the DSU miscues to take control of the game and eventually salt away the clock.

DSU finished the contest shooting 27 of 54 from the field, but hit on just 5 of 14 free throws in a tight game. LU connected on 30-of-59 shots and 9 of 24 3-point shots. DSU out-rebounded LU 38-32, but was outscored 36-32 in the paint and 23-12 on turnovers.

Phil Turner scored a game-high 21 points off the bench to lead the Statesmen, while Arian Maliqi added 17 points and Ken Mitchell contributed with 10.

Lambuth's Floyd led the Eagles with 20 followed Devance Harris' 19.

The Statesmen and Eagles played to a near draw in the first half, as Lambuth took a 37-36 lead into the locker room at the break.

LU shot 43.6 percent in the first half on 14 of 33 shooting, including 6 of 17 from 3-point range. DSU connected on 14 of 26 shots for 53.5 percent, but finished the half with 12 turnovers that led to 16 Lambuth points.

Arian Maliqi led the Statesmen with 10 points at the break, while Shaun Merriweather's nine paced the Eagles.

The Statesmen wrap up nonconference play Tuesday night at Shepherd Tech University in Millington, Tenn. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at the U.S. Naval Station. DSU will open Gulf South Conference play Saturday, Jan. 8, as Southern Arkansas University travels to Walter Sillers Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network starting at 5:45 p.m. with Jimmy Smith and J.T. Webb on the call.