MEMPHIS, TN- The Delta State Statesmen (14-12, 8-5 GSC) clinched the third seed in the upcoming GSC tournament by defeating Christian Brothers (17-10, 5-8 GSC) 62-54 Thursday, Feb. 24 at Canale Arena.

After going head-to-head with the Buccaneers in the first half, the Statesmen came into the second half cool, calm and determined to take home the win.

“Our second half defense was outstanding,” said head coach Jason Conner. “We contested with our shots.”

The first half proved to be a close matchup for Delta State as they stayed within arms reach of the lead. The Buccaneers largest lead in the first period was by eight points, but the Statesmen were able to cut it back to five points, ending the half down 29-24. Neither team had a player in the double digits, but both CBU and DSU showed excellent ball control in the first half. The difference was found in the rebounds: the Buccaneers out-rebounded the Statesmen 16-12, scoring 11 second-chance points.

With 14:52 to go in the second half, the Statesmen took a 34-33 lead, their first lead of the game, and they would not give it back.

The comeback was led by Marc Liyanage. The freshman guard had the best game of his career. He scored a career-high 15 points and pulled in five rebounds.

“I am so happy for Marc,” said Conner. “He is a huge part of this team.”

The Statesmen ended the night 50 percent from the field (22-44) and 38.1 percent from behind the arch (8-21). They also shot 71.4 percent from the line (10-14). Most importantly, the Statesmen out-rebounded in the second half, ending the night with 29 boards.

The Statesmen wrap up the regular season with a conference matchup against Arkansas-Monticello at Sillers Coliseum on Saturday, Feb 4 p.m. Saturday, Delta State will celebrate senior night.