TUPELO, Miss. — In a game with 12 lead changes and nine ties it looked as if it would be nip and tuck all the way, but the Delta State Statesmen were able to force a few transition buckets and eventually pulled away from the Harding Bisons 84-77.

“I was pleased with our ability to defend Harding,” DSU coach Steve Rives said. “Our kids really committed to guarding Harding.”

The Statesmen held Harding to just 34.4 percent shooting for the game.

Despite Harding’s woes from the field they were still in the game late.

“We did a great job of getting to the free throw line and giving ourselves a chance down the stretch,” Harding coach Jeff Morgan said. “it’s impressive that we were shooting that poorly and were still in the ball game.”

Delta’s Jeremy Richardson led all scorers with 33 points, several in transition down the stretch.

“I was just trying to play as hard as I could on defense,” Richardson said. “I noticed they weren’t really looking when they passed the ball, so I jumped into the passing lane and just took it.”

Lonnie Smith hit several 3-pointers down the stretch to keep the Bisons close, but was DSU was able to convert back on their end.

Smith finished with 20 points for Harding.

“I was just trying to hit the big shots down the stretch,” Smith said. “It wasn’t falling for me early, but it eventually started falling for me.”

Smith was 4-of-12 from behind the arc.

Matt Hall led Harding with 29 points and 7 rebounds.

Colby Harris and Marlon McCoy added 12 points each for the Statesmen.

Delta will play the winner of the West Georgia, Arkansas-Monticello matchup tomorrow at 5:30.





		Delta pulls away from Harding, 84-77

		TUPELO, Miss. — In a game with 12 lead changes and nine ties it looked as if it would be nip and tuck all the way, but the Delta State Statesmen were able to force a few transition buckets and eventually pulled away from the Harding Bisons 84-77. “I was pleased with our ability to defend Harding,” DSU coach Steve Rives said. “Our kids really committed to guarding Harding.” The Statesmen held Harding to just 34.4 percent shooting for the game. Despite Harding’s woes from the field they were still in the game late. “We did a great job of getting to the free throw line and giving ourselves a chance down the stretch,” Harding coach Jeff Morgan said. “it’s impressive that we were shooting that poorly and were still in the ball game.” Delta’s Jeremy Richardson led all scorers with 33 points, several in transition down the stretch. “I was just trying to play as hard as I could on defense,” Richardson said. “I noticed they weren’t really looking when they passed the ball, so I jumped into the passing lane and just took it.” Lonnie Smith hit several 3-pointers down the stretch to keep the Bisons close, but was DSU was able to convert back on their end. Smith finished with 20 points for Harding. “I was just trying to hit the big shots down the stretch,” Smith said. “It wasn’t falling for me early, but it eventually started falling for me.” Smith was 4-of-12 from behind the arc. Matt Hall led Harding with 29 points and 7 rebounds. Colby Harris and Marlon McCoy added 12 points each for the Statesmen. Delta will play the winner of the West Georgia, Arkansas-Monticello matchup tomorrow at 5:30.