Box Score
VALDOSTA, Ga. – Devin Schmidt and Willie Readus' career-tying night was enough for No. 20 Delta State University to take the 72-68 win over Valdosta University. Delta State improves to 15-2 on the season and 8-1 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Blazers slip to 10-5 overall and 4-5 in league play.

A close first half came down to Valdosta's defense shutting down Statesmen leading scorer Willie Readus, who was held to just eight points at the half. Devin Schmidt saved the Statesmen in the first half of play as he led both teams with 16 points. The Blazers took the lead at the 12:06 mark and never looked back. The Statesmen inched within two on several occasions but could not pull ahead.Valdosta gained its largest lead of the half with 25 seconds to go, leading DSU 43-35. The half closed with Valdosta ahead of Delta State 43-37.

The momentum stayed with the Blazers at the start of the second half, but the Statesmen fought their way back within two on a fast break layup by Cornel Knight to notch the score at 47-45 with 17:03 remaining. Delta State took the lead at the 16:32 mark thanks to Jack Madgen from downtown to give DSU the 48-47 lead. Valdosta responded two possessions later with a three to retake the lead 51-48. Another three from Jack Madgen put the Green-and-White within one, but Valdosta responded with another three. Willie Readus put the Statesmen within one at the free throw line, 58-57, with 7:20 remaining in the game. Freshman Devin Schmidt tied the game on back-to-back possessions until he gave Delta State the go ahead basket with 4:15 reaming to go up 67-65. Cornel Knight extended the Statesmen led but not before Valdosta responded with a three to close the gap, 69-68. Readus extended the DSU lead, 72-68, with a bank shot under the goal with 35 seconds remaining. The Green-and-White held on to win 72-68 to remain at the top of the Gulf South Conference.

Willie Readus continued his hot streak as he scored in double figures for the Statesmen, recording double figures in every game this season. With a 19 point, 17-rebound night, Readus posted his ninth double-double of the season and also tied his career-high 17 rebounds. Devin Schmidt led both teams with 24 points, tying his career-high.

The Statesmen outshot the Blazers 55.8 percent from the field to VSU's 40 percent. The three-point game was crucial in DSU's win as they made two big threes in the second half to build momentum.

DSU will hit the hardwood again on Saturday, Jan. 25 in Pensacola, Fla. when the Statesmen take on the Argos of West Florida. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m.