Box Score
LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The Delta State University Statesmen basketball team hit the road for a conference matchup with the Tigers of West Alabama in Livingston. The Statesmen fell by a score of 71-51 to drop to 8-2 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. The Tigers improved to 4-4 on the season and 1-1 in conference play.

A battle was expected with the matchup between the two squads and a battle is what they got. UWA opened the game on an 8-0 run but a quick three-pointer from Devin Schmidt and a bucket from Mike Washington put the Statesmen back within reach to trail just 8-5. The Green-and-White were down by as many as 14 in the first half and went into the locker room at the half trailing West Alabama 39-27.

The West Alabama offensive momentum carried into the second half and Delta State's defense just could not adjust to the Tiger's tempo. UWA went on a 6-1 run out of the locker room and continued its hot streak as they led by as many as 22 points. The Green-and-White came within nine points of the Tigers in the second half but did not play up to their potential as they fell to the Tigers by a final of 71-51.

The Statesmen were led by Willie Readus with 17 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Devin Schmidt followed with 13 points and one steal. Delta State shot 41.7 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from long range, and 61.5 percent from the free throw line, while West Alabama shot 51.9 percent from the field.

Up next for the Statesmen will be a conference matchup with the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville. Delta State will play in Huntsville, Ala., on Saturday, Dec. 21. Tipoff is set for 5:00 p.m.