Box Score CLEVELAND – The Delta State Statesmen dropped its home opener in GSC play to No. 25 West Georgia, falling to the Wolves 79-61.
 
The Statesmen (4-9, 0-3 GSC) kept pace early in the first half, only to fall behind to West Georgia's (15-2, 2-1 GSC) quick pace that led to a 26-6 run in the final nine minutes.
 
The Wolves hit seven three-pointers in the first 20 minutes to take a 43-22 lead into the half.
 
In the second half, the Statesmen kept pace with West Georgia, closing the lead to 16, but failed opportunities proved to be too costly.
 
Turnovers were the nemesis for the Statesmen in the game. Delta State finished with 18 turnovers. The Wolves also had nine steals in the game.
 
The Statesmen had a similar night shooting compared to the Wolves. Delta State shot 27-of-56 (.48) from the field, but were only 6-of-14 (.43) from the free-throw line. West Georgia finished 35-of-71 (.49) from the field.
 
However, the Wolves eight three pointers were big. The Statesmen finished with just one three pointer.
 
Marques Brown led all Statesmen in scoring with 20 points. The senior also led the team with eight rebounds in the game with 34 minutes of action.
 
Cornell Knight and Arthur Jackson also had double-digit point nights for Delta State. Knight finished with 12 points and six rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Jackson had 10 points and six rebounds in 31 minutes.
 
The Statesmen were efficient in the foul department Thursday night, conceding only 11 person fouls, avoiding the bonus in both halves.
 
Delta State and West Georgia finished tied with 34 rebounds a piece in the game.
 
Delta State will look for its first conference win when it returns to action Saturday night. The Statesmen will host West Alabama (3-11, 1-2 GSC) at Sillers Coliseum. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.