GREENWOOD, Miss. -- The Andre Payne era at Mississippi Valley State began on a good note Monday night. 

The first-year head coach witnessed his team defeat Stillman College, 81-76, in an exhibition game at the Leflore County Civic Center in his first game as head coach after taking over the program earlier this year. 

MVSU erased a 32-27 halftime deficit thanks to a pair of returning players -- Jordan Washington and DeAngelo Priar -- and newcomer Tyler Corley. 

Corley, a Barton Community College transfer, finished with a team-high 21 points on 9-of-14 shot attempts in his first game in a Valley uniform. The Indianapolis, Ind. native also contributed seven stels and four assists in 29 minutes of action. 

Washington, who made huge contributions for MVSU last season, looks like he'll take on an even bigger role this season. The Memphis native made a trio of 3-pointers and poured in 19 points, four assists and three steals to help lead the Delta Devils past Stillman. 

Meanwhile, Priar, a senior Tchula, Miss. native, had 18 points and seven rebounds. 

Vacha Vaughn came off the bench and put up nine points and five rebounds while Dwain Whitfield also made a nice contribution off the bench with a team-high 10 rebounds. 

For Stillman, Rodnerius Lewis made nine free throws and had a game-high 22 points in the loss. 

After shooting just 32 percent in the first half, the Delta Devils made 54 percent of their shots in the second half. 

MVSU will tip off the regular season Nov. 14 on the road at Indiana.