Box Score
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Statesmen of Delta State University had another battle on its hands as they traveled to Huntsville, Ala., to face the Chargers of Alabama-Huntsville. Delta State claimed the 86-82 victory to improve to 9-2 on the season and 2-1 in conference play. The Chargers fall to 6-4 overall and 2-1 in conference play.

The Green-and-White faced some adversity early on as the Chargers came out with an 11-4 run to open a game that saw thirteen lead changes and nine ties.

The Statesmen rallied to tie the game at 14-14 with buckets from Jack Madgen and Devin Schmidt. Lead changes were exchanged by each squad before the Statesmen took their first lead at the 6:01 mark on a three-pointer from Madgen. Delta State extended their lead to as many as four points until UAH rallied to come within one on a last second Charger three-pointer to head into the locker room with the score 34-33 in favor of Delta State.

The Chargers left the locker room and took back the momentum as they went on a 5-0 run with buckets on back-to-back possessions. Strong drives from Willie Readus and Mike Washington resulted in baskets and put the Statesmen back within reach. Alabama-Huntsville continued to extend its lead to as many nine but not before the Statesmen took the 64-63 lead on a three from Jack Madgen with under five minutes left to play. With the game tied again at 65-65, Mike Washington put the Statesmen ahead 67-65. A Charger three-pointer from Ronnie Mack gave UAH the lead again at 68-67. A three from Devin Schmidt with 15 seconds left evened the game at 72-72 and ultimately sent the game to overtime.

In overtime, a three from Madgen and made free throws from Devin Schmidt and Willie Readus gave the Statesmen the 85-79 lead. The Chargers responded with a three to get come within an 85-82 score. Jack Madgen made a free throw with six seconds remaining to make it a two-possession ball game. A blocked shot from Mike Washington ended the game as the Chargers were not able to get a last shot off. The Statesmen went on to win 86-82 over the Chargers.

Devin Schmidt led the way for the Statesmen with 21 points. Willie Readus added 19 points with 14 boards and Jack Madgen and Mike Washington added 16 points each. The Statesmen shot 51.7 percent from the field and 52.6 percent from behind the arc.

The Statesmen will take the hardwood on Saturday, Jan. 4 at Walter Sillers to face the University of West Georgia. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m.