ROME, Ga. -- The Statesmen (2-10 overall, 2-8 GSC) and the Shorter Hawks (3-10, 1-6) traded possession of the lead 9 times, but the Statesmen held on to their late lead and are heading back to Cleveland with a 64-60 conference win. Delta State outscored the Hawks 35-28 in the second half while shooting 47.8 percent from the field in the final 20 minutes.

Seven Statesmen scored in the game, led by Sam Smith with 15 points. Smith also reeled in 8 rebounds and made one of his three three-point attempts.

Kelen Dietrich hit 3 three-pointers and scored 13 points to go with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Wyatt Bell also hit a three and recorded 11 points, 3 rebounds, an assist, and 2 steals.

Maalik Cartwright scored 9 points and hit 4 of his 5 attempts from the field. Jonathan Knight scored 8 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

UP NEXT:
The Statesmen return to Sillers Coliseum on New Year's Eve for a 2:00 pm tipoff against Kentucky Wesleyan. They return to GSC play on January 2 when they travel to Mississippi College.