Box Score

CLEVELAND, Miss. – Jack Madgen set a new career-high with 20 points to lead the No. 24 Delta State University men's basketball team to a 75-64 victory over Union University at Walter Sillers Coliseum.  The Statesmen improved to 14-2 on the year and 7-1 in Gulf South Conference play.  It was DSU's sixth win in a row.  The Bulldogs slipped to 8-6 and 4-4 in league action. 

The Statesmen built a 17-point second half lead with 10:16 to play before the Bulldogs began a furious comeback.  Union cut it to nine on Roy Bullock's 3-pointer with 1:06 remaining, but DSU would salt away the win, going 6-for-6 at the free throw line. 

Delta State's trademark defense was solid throughout the contest, as the Statesmen held Union to 35.8 percent from the field on 24-of-57 attempts.  UU was also just 5-for-19 (26.3 percent) from 3-point range in the loss.

DSU, which shot 63 percent in the second half, finished the game hitting on 26-of-49 attempts from the field for 53.1 percent.  The Statesmen were also 5-of-12 from 3-point range and 18-of-28 at the line. 

In the paint, the Statesmen held a narrow edge 36-30 and also outscored the Bulldogs 11-6 off turnovers. 

Madgen, a 6-foot-4 sophomore shooting guard, established a new career-high for points with 20 to lead the Statesmen.  The Williamstown, South Australia native was 6-of-8 from the field, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers and 4-of-5 at the line.  

Madgen's previous high was 18 points versus Concordia (Ala.) back on Nov. 27, 2012.

Washington tied his career-high with 18 points and cleared seven boards with two blocked shots.  Willie Readus added 15 points and nine rebounds.  Devin Schmidt chipped in with eight points and grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds while handing out six assists.

Union had three players in double digits led by Corieon Pearson's 20 points.  Ashanti Day added 15 points and A.J. Roberts ended with 14.         

After leading 29-25 at the half, the Statesmen outscored the Bulldogs 46-39 in the second period.  Madgen had eight at the break to lead DSU. 

The Statesmen hit the road for a two-game swing next week at Valdosta State and West Florida.  Thursday's game at VSU is set for a 7 p.m. tip off at The Coliseum.  DSU will end the week on Saturday in Pensacola, Fla., versus the Argonauts. Game time is set for 4 p.m.  Both games will be carried on the Statesmen Sports Network beginning 15 minutes prior to tipoff.  Philip Tang will have the call.