Box Score BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Delta State University men's basketball team fell in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament 54-52 to Valdosta State University inside the Pete Hannah Center on Friday, March 8 to close out the 2012-13 season. The Blazers used 23-of-31 shooting from the charity stripe and two double-double performances from Josh Sparks and Patrick Diop to advance.

Valdosta State (19-8) opened the contest on a 5-0 run with a fast paced style of play.

Delta State (11-16) quickly slowed the pace of the game and picked up their first lead on a 14-4 run to go up 20-11 with 8:06 remaining in the first-half. Jack Madgen capped off the run with a steal and going the length of the court for a fast break layup.

Cornel Knight spearheaded the Green-and-Whites offensive efforts in the first-half posting eight points and five rebounds with Madgen close behind tallying seven points on 3-of-6 shooting and two assists.

The Blazers finished the half shooting 8-of-27 (.296) shooting from the floor and was led by Josh Sparks' 14 points and six rebounds.

The Statesmen maintained the advantage until Shaquille Harris knotted the game up for the Blazers with a free throw at 28-28 with 17:25 remaining.

DSU stretched the lead back out to 40-33 on a 12-5 run that extended all the way down to the 6:58 mark.

After holding the Blazers scoreless from the floor for ten minutes in the second half, the Blazers roared back to take their first lead since the opening minutes of game with 2:46 remaining on a 14-6 run capped off by a James Anacreon fast break dunk. Valdosta State never relinquished the lead afterwards.

Knight finished the night posting his second double-double performance with 13 points and 11 rebounds and was followed up by Madgen's 12 points and four assists.

The Statesmen end the 2012-13 season with an 11-16 overall and 7-11 Gulf South Conference record under first year head coach Jim Boone.