CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State secured its spot in the Gulf South Conference Tournament with an 85–77 win over Mississippi College on Friday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum, a result that—combined with Lee's 89–81 victory over Union—clinched the No. 8 seed for the Statesmen.

Delta State (11–16, 8–14 GSC) shot 52.8 percent from the field and 48.3 percent from three, building a 38–33 halftime lead and maintaining control throughout the second half. The Statesmen led for more than 35 minutes and never trailed after the 16:15 mark of the first half.

Je'Marion Westbrook powered DSU with 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including five made threes, and added 10 rebounds for a double-double. DaCory Porter scored 18 points and handed out eight assists, while Phillip Hughes added 13 points and seven rebounds. Samuel Whitmer finished with 11 points, and Brendan Braddix provided eight points off the bench.

Delta State hit 14 three-pointers and went 15-of-17 at the free-throw line. The Statesmen also held a 33–28 advantage on the glass and outscored the Choctaws' bench 14–9.

Mississippi College (10–18, 7–15 GSC) was led by DeMarcus Powe, who scored 27 points on 11-of-20 shooting. Avaughn Johnson added 15 points and eight rebounds, and Phil Nelson scored 18.

Delta State will open GSC Tournament play next week as the No. 8 seed, returning to postseason action after closing the regular season with three wins in its final four games. The Statesmen will travel to Livingston, Ala., to take on the Tigers from the University of West Alabama on Monday night.