ITTA BENA, Miss. -- In a fast-paced, highlight filled matched between Alabama A&M and Mississippi Valley State on Saturday night, the Bulldogs escaped the Mississippi delta with their second conference win of the season. 

The Bulldogs upended the Delta Devils, 86-73, at the Leflore County Civic Center in the first home SWAC game of the season for Valley (2-13, 1-1 SWAC). 

Jordan Washington scored a career high 22 points to lead the Delta Devils while freshman forward Rakwan Kelly put up 13 off the bench. Washington made 4-of-8 three point attempts and have 18 points in the first half. Isaac Williams, a sophomore transfer from Barton Community College, chipped in 11 points. 

"Despite the loss, there were some good things that happened for us tonight," said MVSU head coach Andre Payne. "We have some work to do, and hopefully we can keep building and become a better team as the season goes along." 

After trailing most of the first half, MVSU took the lead near the 17-minute mark in the second half following a DeAngleo Priar layup that pushed Valley's lead to 47-46. After a Williams layup gave the Delta Devils a 49-48 advantage, the Bulldogs ran off with the lead to escape with the victory. 

Ladarius Tabb had 31 points for Alabama A&M (4-9, 2-1), who also got 15 points from Nicholas West. 

A&M made its living from the free throw line, converting 24-of-31 shots from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, the Delta Devils made 11-of-16 free throws. 

The Delta Devils will be back at home Monday at the Leflore County Civic Center, hosting Alabama State. The women's game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. with the men set to follow at 8 p.m.