LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Delta Devils of Mississippi Valley fought valiantly against the River Hawks of the University of Massachusetts Lowell. The contest ended 76-71.

UML scored first to take a 2-0 lead. Amos Given went to the free throw line, making one of one to bring the score to 2-1, with 18:36 remaining in the half. Jamal Watson went to the charity stripe (17:09) making one of his shots to tie the score at two. A fast break layup in the paint by Givens lifted the Delta Devils up by two. Rashaan Surles was credited with the assist.

Mississippi Valley led by as many as eight points in the opening half, relinquishing it with 6:39 remaining on the clock. The River Hawks pulled out all stops to take a 39-30 advantage into the locker room break.  Givens paced the team in the first 20-minutes of play with nine-points, two rebounds and two assists. Darrell Riley added six-points, two rebounds and one assist. Michael Matlock leaped above the competition, pulling down nine-rebounds, while adding five points.

The second half started much like the first, with Mississippi Valley scoring the opening points. A foul by MVSU's Isaac Williams sent Jahad Thomas to the line for two. Matlock took possession of the ball, went up for a layup, missed, rebounded, and tipped it back in. MVSU rallied back and outscored the River Hawks 41-37 in the second.

Given dominated on the court scoring 15-points, three rebounds, two steals and two assists. Riley added 10-points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Matlock tallied 15-rebounds, nine points and one assist.

The Delta Devils will remain in Lynchburg, Virginia, to take on Liberty University on November 23 at 2:00 p.m.