Box Score LAS VEGAS -- Mississippi Valley State closed the gap to as little as four points Saturday. But the Delta Devils didn't have enough in the tank to fend off a Georgia Southern team that had an answer each time MVSU got in striking distance. 

The Eagles (5-6) defeated the Delta Devils 63-52 at Orleans Arena in the 2012 Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic behind Eric Ferguson's 19 points on 8-of-11 shots. MVSU will play either California State-Bakersfield or North Florida on Sunday at 2:45 CST in the loser's bracket. 

Matt Smith cut GSU's lead to four points, 53-49, with under six minutes left but that would be as close as the Delta Devils would get to a comeback victory. GSU's C.J. Reed converted four late-game free throws to seal the win for the Eagles. 

Three MVSU players scored in double-figures with freshman forward Matt Smith leading the way with 15 points. Darius Tomlin and Davon Usher chipped in 10 points apiece. 

MVSU (0-8) struggled from behind the arch, hitting 3-of-21 three-pointers. The Delta Devils shot 32.1 percent from the field. 

GSU made 20-of-26 free throws and shot 44.7 percent from the field.