CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University battled back in the second half but was unable to overcome an early deficit, falling 76–63 to Alabama Huntsville in a Gulf South Conference contest Saturday evening at Sillers Coliseum.

The Statesmen were limited to 25 first-half points as UAH built a commanding lead. The Chargers opened the game with an 11–0 run and led by as many as 25 points midway through the second half.

Delta State showed resilience after halftime, outscoring UAH 38–31 in the second half. Senior guard Dacory Porter led all scorers with 25 points, shooting 10-of-15 from the field while adding four assists. Je'Marion Westbrook posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, anchoring the Statesmen on the glass.

The Statesmen improved offensively in the second half, shooting 43 percent from the floor and knocking down six three-pointers after managing just one in the opening half.

Despite cutting the deficit to 11 points late, Delta State was unable to string together enough stops down the stretch to complete the comeback.

The Statesmen return to action on Friday, Jan. 2 against West Florida. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Pensacola, Fla.