CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University men's basketball team put together a strong second-half surge and saw standout scoring nights from Je'Marion Westbrook and DaCory Porter, but DSU dropped a hard-fought 84–78 decision to the Bulldogs from Union University Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

After trailing 36–31 at the break, the Statesmen roared back with 47 second-half points, pushing the pace offensively and finding their rhythm from beyond the arc. Westbrook powered the comeback effort, finishing with a team-high and Statesmen career-high 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including four made threes, while adding eight rebounds. Porter gave Delta State another major spark, scoring a Statesmen career high 23 points with six assists and four offensive boards.

Bryce Clayton delivered eight points and three steals, knocking down a key early three to help DSU build momentum. Elisha Puckett added six points and five rebounds while spacing the floor with a pair of triples. Off the bench, Brendan Braddix and Phillip Hughes combined for 10 important points to keep the Statesmen within striking distance.

Delta State shot 11-of-32 from deep and outscored Union 13–6 in second-chance points thanks to active work on the offensive glass. The Statesmen also protected the ball well, committing only two turnovers in the second half while making a late push that trimmed Union's lead to a single possession multiple times.

Delta State returns to action Saturday as conference play continues against the Bucs Saturday afternoon inside Walter Sillers Coliseum.