HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Delta State University Men's Basketball Team put together a gritty road performance Wednesday night but came up just short in a 69–67 setback at UAH inside Spragins Hall.

The Statesmen (8-12, 5-10 GSC) traded punches with the Chargers all night in a game that featured multiple lead changes and tight execution down the stretch. Delta State trailed by one at the break, 27–26, before scoring 41 points in the second half to keep the pressure on UAH until the final horn.

DaCory Porter led Delta State with 19 points, attacking the rim and knocking down key free throws late. Bryce Clayton added 17 points, connecting on three triples, while Elisha Puckett turned in a career-high 18 points off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers to spark the Statesmen offense. Delta State finished with 22 bench points on the night.

The Statesmen held an early first-half advantage and built a 10-point lead midway through the opening period, forcing UAH to respond. The Chargers closed the half on a run to edge ahead by one, setting the stage for a tightly contested second half.

UAH pushed its lead to double digits midway through the final period, but Delta State answered with timely shooting and defensive stops. Porter and Clayton helped fuel a late surge that cut the deficit to two in the final seconds, but the Chargers were able to hang on at the free-throw line.

Delta State shot 42.1 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from three-point range, while winning the bench scoring battle, 22–9. The Statesmen also forced 15 UAH turnovers and stayed within striking distance throughout despite being outscored at the foul line.

Delta State returns to action this weekend as Gulf South Conference play continues with a trip to Livingston Saturday afternoon to take on the Tigers from the University of West Alabama.