CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University men's basketball picked up a key Gulf South Conference victory Saturday afternoon, edging Lee University 73–67 inside Walter Sillers Coliseum.

The Statesmen (7–8, 4–6 GSC) led for nearly 30 minutes of game time and withstood multiple Lee rallies to secure the six-point win. Delta State carried a slim 42–41 advantage into halftime after a back-and-forth opening period that featured four lead changes and solid shooting from both teams.

Lee briefly grabbed momentum early in the second half, building an eight-point lead midway through the period, but Delta State responded with timely defense and perimeter shooting. A pair of fast-break three-pointers by Bryce Clayton tied the game at 50–50 with 11:51 remaining, sparking an 8–0 run that swung control back to the Statesmen.

DaCory Porter led all scorers with 20 points, knocking down 12-of-12 free throws while adding 10 rebounds for a double-double. Phillip Hughes added 13 points, while Samuel Whitmer chipped in eight points and key late-game free throws. Brendan Braddix provided a spark off the bench with five points, two steals, and a crucial three-pointer with 4:38 remaining that pushed the DSU lead to four.

Delta State shot 40.6 percent from three-point range (13-of-32) and went 20-of-24 from the free-throw line, capitalizing at the stripe down the stretch. The Statesmen also held a 23–20 advantage in bench points and scored 11 fast-break points.

Lee (6–7, 3–6 GSC) was led by Jamarcus Wilkins with 15 points, while Tylon Chatman added 12. The Flames outscored Delta State in the paint, 40–14 but struggled at the free-throw line and committed costly turnovers late.

Delta State will look to build on the win as conference play continues next week as they travel to Clinton next Saturday to take on the Choctaws from Mississippi College.