CLEVELAND, Miss. -- Statesmen Basketball (0-4 overall, 0-2 GSC) lost a physical game to the Southern Arkansas Muleriders (3-2, 0-0 GAC) on Tuesday night at Sillers Coliseum. Delta State dropped the decision in spite of an incredible performance from junior forward Sam Smith. The loss is now the fourth straight to start the season for the Statesmen, who are still without Preseason All-GSC player Maalik Cartwright.

The Statesmen fell behind early to the Muleriders, trailing 31-21 at the halftime break. Southern Arkansas then used a 55% shooting performance in the second half to outscore the Statesmen 41-33 in the half for the 72-54 win.

Sam Smith represented more than half of DSU's scoring with his game-high 29 points. Smith was also tied for the game-high in rebounds with nine.

Wyatt Bell hit one of Delta State's 4 three-pointers and finished with 7 points. Kelen Dietrich also had a three-point make with 5 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists for the game.

UP NEXT:
Delta State returns to Walter Sillers Coliseum this Saturday, Nov. 26 for a GSC conference game against Valdosta State (5-2, 2-0 GSC) at 7:30 pm.