CLEVELAND, Miss. — The Delta State University men's basketball team battled down to the final seconds but came up just short in a hard-fought 77–73 loss to the University of West Florida Saturday afternoon at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Statesmen held the lead for more than 22 minutes and led by as many as seven, but the Argonauts capitalized late at the free throw line to secure the Gulf South Conference victory.

Delta State (9–15, 6–13 GSC) placed four players in double figures, led by DaCory Porter's 24 points on 7-of-12 shooting and a perfect 9-of-10 performance from the free throw line. Porter consistently attacked the basket and provided key scoring throughout the contest. Je'Marion Westbrook added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Brendan Braddix contributed 12 points, including a fast-break dunk late in the first half that energized the Statesmen. Elisha Puckett rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

The Statesmen came out strong, shooting 48 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from beyond the arc in the first half. Delta State used timely shooting and defensive stops to build a 37–32 advantage at the break. Puckett played a key role off the bench in the opening half, knocking down two three-pointers to help maintain the lead.

West Florida (20–6, 13–5 GSC) answered in the second half behind Elijah Wyche, who finished with a game-high 28 points, including 11-for-11 from the free throw line. The Argonauts used a combination of interior scoring and second-chance opportunities to slowly chip away at the Statesmen's advantage, tying the game multiple times in the closing minutes.

Delta State regained the lead at 71–69 following a put back by Braddix with 1:39 remaining, but West Florida responded with a tying basket and then took the lead for good at the free throw line. The Argonauts converted key free throws in the final 35 seconds to seal the win.

As a team, Delta State shot an efficient 46.4 percent from the field and 92.9 percent from the free throw line while forcing 10 turnovers. The Statesmen also received valuable production from their bench, outscoring West Florida's reserves 13–5.

Delta State will look to bounce back as they continue Gulf South Conference Play with a road trip to Cleveland, Tenn., to take on the Flames from Lee University Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. (CT).