LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Desmond Raymond scored a career-high 24 points and West Alabama snapped a seven-game Delta State winning streak by defeating the Statesmen, 71-51, in Gulf South Conference basketball action Thursday at Pruitt Hall.
 
The win improved UWA to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in GSC play. Delta State dropped to 8-2 and 1-1.
 
"That was the most complete game we have played all year, including the wins over the Division I schools," UWA head coach Mark Downey said. "We executed the game plan and had a complete effort.
 
Raymond converted 9-of-13 field goal attempts on the way to setting his second consecutive career scoring high. The senior from New Orleans, La., scored 23 at Alabama-Huntsville last Saturday.
 
"Desmond is playing with confidence and is perfect for our system," Downey said. "I keep asking more and more from him and he is responding."
 
Sandy Underwood followed Raymond, scoring 15 points as 10 Tigers got into the scoring column. Guard Kervens Calixte came off the bench to grab six rebounds for UWA, who outrebounded the Statesmen 33-27.
 
West Alabama jumped out to a 39-27 lead at the half and then clamped down on Statesmen shooters in the second half, holding Delta State to just nine field goals in 24 attempts in the final 20 minutes.
 
"We have had some trouble closing out halves, but we did a good job tonight," Downey said. "We still have to get better at it. We can't relax and have to be more consistent."
 
Willie Readus scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds to pace DSU. Devin Schmidt chipped in 13 points.
 
Both teams continue GSC play on Saturday. The Tigers are host to Christian Brothers at 4 p.m. and Delta State travels to Alabama-Huntsville.