ITTA BENA -- Mississippi Valley State and Southern University combined to attempt 97 free throws Saturday as the Jaguars made key ones down the stretch in a 78-74 victory over the Delta Devils at the Harrison HPER Complex.

MVSU (4-19, 4-9 SWAC) made 30 of 44 free throws while Southern (17-8, 11-2 SWAC) converted on 35 of its 53 shots from the charity stripe.

The Delta Delta trailed by as much as 17 points in the second half, but continued to forced its way back into the game by taking advantage of its opportunities at the free throw line.

With 2 minutes left, MVSU had fought its way back and trailed by just two following a three-point play by Cameron Dobbs that cut Southern's lead to 65-63.

With 11 seconds on the clock, MVSU's Cordarius Samples made another key shot for Valley when he nailed a three-pointer that cut the lead to three, 75-72. But Derick Beltran converted two ensuing free throws and gave the Jaguars a large enough cushion to skate away with the victory.

Davon Usher was one of two Valley players who finished with a double-double. The junior guard had 25 points and 10 rebounds while Matt Smith chipped in 13 points and 11 boards. Cordarius Samples added 11 points for MVSU, which shot 32.8 percent on the night.

Four Southern players finished in double-figures with Derick Beltran leading the way with 19 points. Javan Mitchell had 18 points while Jameel Grace chipped in 14. Brandon Moore had 12 points for Southern, which shot 44.4 percent.

MVSU will be back in action Saturday at Prairie View at 5 p.m.