CLEVELAND- Delta State narrowly escaped a heartbreaking loss as they allowed Henderson State to come back from a 25 point deficit; but ultimately the Statesmen defeated the Reddies 79-73 Saturday, Feb. 17 at Sillers Coliseum.

They Statesmen were up 36-11 with 8:14 left to play in the first period. The Reddies continuously chipped away at the score and came back within one point of the tie (73-72) at the 2:28 mark in the second half.

“I was disappointed at how we allowed Henderson to creep back into the game,” said head coach Jason Conner. “But it is difficult to hold on to such a large lead.”

Just as the Reddies were getting ready to score, Phil Turner stole the ball and scored two on a fast break, putting the Statesmen back up three.

The Statesmen ultimately stole the ball three times in the last minute and a half of the ball game, giving the Statesmen the win.

The Statesmen dominated the offensive floor outscoring the Reddies 45-26 going into halftime. The Green-and-White shot 51.5 percent from the field in the first half (17-33), while keeping Henderson at 30.6 percent (11-36). Phil Turner had an amazing first half—scoring 18 points and dishing out six assists.

“Our first half stats were great—there's no question,” said Conner.

Marqueys Brown turned on his offensive skills in the second half, keeping the Statesmen ahead. He ended the night with 17 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Phil Turner continued his offensive domination in the second half as well. He ended the night with 30 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three assists.

The Statesmen shot 46.6 percent from the field (27-58) and 36.8 percent from the arch (7-19). They also had a solid night from the free throw line as they made 66.7 percent of their free throws.

The Statesmen head to Russellville to face the No. 12 Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech Saturday, Feb 19. DSU leads the series 25-17.