Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – No. 25 Delta State University exacted a little revenge and advanced to the semifinals of the Gulf South Conference Men's Basketball Tournament with a 67-53 victory over the University of West Florida Thursday, March 6 at the Pete Hannah Center on the campus of Samford University.  The Statesmen (24-5) defeated the Argonauts (7-20) for the first time in the GSC's annual postseason dance since a 73-63 victory over UWF in 1997-98. 

"In the second half we did a good job of feeding our post players and that allowed Willie Readus and Mike Washington to make an impact on the outcome," DSU head coach Jim Boone said.  "Our defensive intensity at the start of the second half was what we've seen all year and ultimately proved to be the difference in the outcome."

In a half that saw eight ties and eight lead changes, the Statesmen carried a 30-26 lead into the locker room over the Argonauts.  Neither team found any offensive continuity in the opening half, as DSU shot 34.5 percent on 10-of-29 from the field and UWF managed 35.7 percent after hitting 10-of-28. 

After trailing 14-11 to UWF with 12:49 remaining in the half, the Statesmen went on a 19-13 run over the final 10:57 of the half for the four point halftime advantage.  During the stretch, DSU was just 6-of-16 from the floor, but nailed 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, including two straight for Devin Schmidt.

Schmidt led the Statesmen with 10 points at the break.  Willie Readus added six points and six rebounds. 

UWF was led by Ellis Young, III's nine points.

After the half, the Statesmen emerged from the locker room with a renewed vigor on the defensive end of the floor, holding UWF to two points in the first 5:10 of the second half to build a 40-28 lead with 16:59 to play. 

Over the next 6:50, the Statesmen held the Argos without a field goal, while extending the lead to 17, 48-31, with 10:09 on the clock.

UWF cut the lead to 13 with 3:02 to go, but DSU kept the Argonauts at bay to claim the 67-53 victory and propel the Statesmen into the semifinals. 

The Statesmen finished the night shooting 44.2 percent after making 23-of-52 from the floor.  DSU was a blistering 56.5 percent in the second half, making 13-of-23 from the field and 2-of-5 from 3-point range. 

DSU held UWF to 34.5 percent on 20-of-58 attempts.  The Statesmen outscored the Argonauts 34-32 in the paint and 24-16 off turnovers en route to the win. 

Led by Schmidt's game-high 22 points, the Statesmen placed four players in double figures.  Readus, who finished 8-of-12 from the floor, collected his 17th double-double with 20 points and 10 boards, while Mike Washington and Cornel Knight scored 10 points each. 

Schmidt, a freshman from Seveirville, Tenn., closed the night with a game-high six assists and four rebounds. 

Nate Johnson's 17 points, 11 of which came in the second half, led UWF.    

DSU and UWF were meeting for the 14th time in series history and the second time in a week.  The Argonauts ended the regular season with 67-61 victory over the Statesmen on Senior Day last Saturday. 

The Statesmen face the winner of Friday's quarterfinal matchup between Christian Brothers University (16-10) and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (15-12) on Saturday, March 8 in the semifinals.  Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.