LORMAN, Miss. -- A rash of injuries, a rowdy home crowd and an early deficit wasn't enough to slow down one of the hottest teams in the nation on Saturday night.

Mississippi Valley State overcame an early Alcorn State lead to secure a 71-63 victory over its in-state rival. The win keeps the Delta Devils (13-11, 12-0) undefeated in conference play. MVSU currently is tied for the fourth-longest win streak in the nation.

The night belonged to freshman guard Luka Pajkovic, who scored a career-high 16 points off the bench. The Serbia native hit four of five three-pointers and finished six of eight from the field.

Cor-J Cox and Terrence Joyner chipped in 15 points apiece while Paul Crosby had another double-double -- 10  points, 12 rebounds.

Ken McDonald led Alcorn State (7-17, 5-8 SWAC) with 16 points and Xavian Rimmer added 13.

MVSU shot 45.6 percent (26 of 57) and went six of 23 from the arc. Valley made 13 of 25 shots from the charity stripe.

The Delta Devils led 35-29 at halftime, before holding on for a school-best 12th straight victory.  

MVSU will travel to Southern on Monday night for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff.