Livingston, Ala. – The Delta State University men's basketball put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season, but a dominant effort on the glass by No. 18 West Alabama proved to be the difference in an 86–81 loss on Saturday afternoon at Pruitt Hall.

The Statesmen shot 53.8 percent from the field and 43.8 percent from three, led by a career-high 32-point effort from redshirt junior guard DaCory Porter. Porter went 11-of-20 from the floor and 9-of-10 at the free throw line while adding four rebounds and four assists. Delta State finished with five players scoring at least seven points, including a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night from Samuel Whitmer, who totaled 12 points.

Despite the efficient shooting, Delta State was unable to overcome West Alabama's advantage in the paint and on the boards. The Tigers held a 37–16 rebounding margin and turned 15 offensive rebounds into 22 second-chance points. UWA also outscored the Statesmen 48–24 in the paint, using its size and depth to maintain control for most of the afternoon.

West Alabama was paced by Jakobe Singleton's 20 points off the bench on 8-of-9 shooting, while Rasean Frederick added 17 points and Christian Thompson recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Tigers built a 45–31 halftime lead and held off multiple DSU runs in the second half, despite the Statesmen scoring 50 points after the break.

Delta State cut the deficit to two possessions on several occasions behind Porter's scoring and timely contributions from the supporting cast, but UWA answered each push to remain in front.

The loss moves Delta State to 8–13 overall and 5–11 in Gulf South Conference play. The Statesmen return to action next week as they continue their conference slate with a road trip to Jackson, Tenn., Tuesday night to take on the Bulldogs from Union University.