SOUTHAVEN, MS—After being up by 13 points in the second half, the Delta State Statesmen closed out the season with a heartbreaking 85-80 loss to the Valdosta State Blazers in the GSC Quarterfinals Friday, March 4.
With 1:49 left in the game, the Statesmen were up 80-74, but things started to fall apart for the green-and-white. In the last minute of the game the Statesmen turned the ball over three times, allowing the Blazers to come back and take the lead.
“We had foolish turnovers,” said head coach Jason Conner. “We just started to unravel and I couldn't stop the bleeding.”
In the first half, the Statesmen went back and forth with the Blazers. After nine lead changes, DSU pulled ahead by 11, ending the first half up 49-38 over VSU. Delta State demonstrated impressive teamwork in the first period. The Statesmen created 10 VSU turnovers in which they scored 15 points. All the while, DSU only turned the ball over five times in the first half.
“I thought we played so well in the first half,” said Conner. “We had great teamwork and excellent ball movement.”
In the second half, Valdosta began pounding the paint after only having 12 points down low in the first half. Ultimately, the Blazers finished with 36 points from the post.
The Statesmen turned the ball over 10 times in the second half and VSU took advantage, scoring 15 points.
“You certainly have to play with emotion,” said Conner. “But you have to execute in those situations. Still, we should have walked away with this one”
Phil Turner ended the season with a double-double. He had a team-high 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals.
Marqueys Brown also ended the season with a double-double. He had 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Arian Maliqi had an excellent game. He finished with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Statesmen shot 44.1 percent from the field (30-68), 31.8 percent from the arch (7-22) and 56.5 percent from the free throw line (13-23).
Delta State ended their season winning seven of their last 10 games.
