Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. – The University of North Alabama's bench proved to the be the difference in Saturday's Gulf South Conference clash, outscoring Delta State University 40-5 en route to an 83-69 win at Sillers Coliseum.  UNA (15-10, 7-6 GSC) claimed the season series sweep with the win over DSU (5-19, 1-12 GSC). 

UNA finished the night shooting 44.1 percent on 30-of-68 attempts, including a blistering 12-of-24 from 3-point range.  DSU closed out the contest shooting 39.7 percent on 23-of-58 attempts, while connecting on 18-of-24 from the free throw line.    

The Lions bench was outstanding Saturday night as Nathan Spher's 22 points led UNA off the bench and Wes Long dropped in 16 as well.  Theron Jenkins was UNA's lone starter in double figures with 18. 

Aaron Cooper finished one point shy of his career high with 26 points and eight rebounds.  Terry Leake added 17 points while Rob Sikes closed with nine and Cornel Knight with eight. 

UNA used the 3-point shot to build an early lead and take a 43-34 edge into the locker room at halftime.  The Lions connected on 15-of-37 shots, including 6-of-16 from 3-point range.  Wes Long paced the Lions with 11 points while Theron Jenkins dropped in 10. 

The Statesmen shot 40 percent in the opening frame, nailing 10-of-25 shots, but failed to make any ground from distance with only two made 3-pointers. Aaron Cooper led the Statesmen and all scorers at the break with 17 points.  Terry Leake added 11. 

DSU outscored UNA in the paint 12-10 in the first, but allowed the Lions 14 points off turnovers. 

The Statesmen return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 23, as Delta State plays host to New Orleans.  Game time is set for 8 p.m. at Sillers Coliseum.  The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network with Matt Jones, J.T. Webb and Clayton Coffman on the call.