MONTEVALLO, Ala. -- The Statesmen (1-7 overall, 1-5 GSC) earned their first win of the season on Sunday night against a tough Montevallo Falcons (3-6, 2-4) team. Delta State's changes on the defensive end allowed them to hold the Falcons to just a 39.7% shooting performance while the offense made 45.6% of their attempts, including a 50% showing in the second half.

A healthier and more focused Delta State team defeated a Montevallo squad that holds home wins over Alabama Huntsville and Mississippi College already this season. Five Statesmen found their way to the score sheet on Sunday, and all five contributed at least 8 points.

Maalik Cartwright was the game-high scorer with 25 points on an 11-15 shooting performance (2-2 3pt) with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Lee Cotton had a very productive night with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Sam Smith was also in double figures with 12 points on Sunday. He also leads the GSC this season in both total rebounds (82) and rebounds per game (10.3).

Kelen Dietrich played 40 minutes, scoring 8 points with 2 made three-pointers after suffering an ankle injury last week. Wyatt Bell also had 8 points in his 21 minutes with 2 made three-pointers as well.

UP NEXT:
The Statesmen are back at Sillers Coliseum this weekend for GSC action against Alabama Huntsville (8-2, 4-1) on Friday, 12/9 at 7:30 pm and West Alabama (6-2, 3-2) on Sunday, 12/11 at 4:00 pm.