ITTA BENA — Senior forward TaJay Henry played an integral role in the Delta Devils dismantling of Texas Southern University 103-89 in overtime. Henry scored a career game high of 30-points and 22 rebounds for a double-double.
Entering the contest, Mississippi Valley may have been considered as David in the story of David and Goliath; however they faced the battle head on. Marcus Romain, Darrell Riley and Jabari Alex each fouled out of the contest for the Delta Devils, to the disappointment of the crowd. At the conclusion of the first, MVSU held a slim 35-34 lead.
Mississippi Valley broke free early in the second half, scoring six unanswered points. The Delta Devils moved the ball around utilizing a solid offensive strategy. With MVSU up 15-points with 14:21 remaining overtime wasn't on the radar. Going back to the basics, both teams scrambled to put points on the board.
Henry landed a clutch shot at 4:23 remaining to give the Delta Devils a 12-point lead. From just over four minutes remaining, Texas Southern rallied back to keep the contest flowing. An additional five minutes was needed to determine the victor. MVSU outpaced TSU 17-3 in overtime, for a Southwestern Athletic Conference upset.
To describe the atmosphere, the student section doubled when everyone moved behind the visitor's bench. With band playing V-Funk in the next section over and the crowd yelling, OVER RATED, Texas Southern's Zach Lofton fouled out.
It was a monumental night for the Valley, as for the first time in years both teams won in overtime each against Texas Southern. It was also the first time this season both teams have won on the same night inside the R.W. Harrison complex.
Prior to the contest, when asked his key to winning, Head Coach Andre Payne stated, "Defense will be the key. We have to force them to play different; we have to play our game."
Isaac Williams tallied 29-points, 10 rebounds and three assists (moving him 14-points from 1000 career points). Exiting the contest, Romain tallied 23-points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. Riley and Phillips each contributed seven assists to pace the Delta Devils' offensive domination.
The Delta Devils travel to Jackson, Mississippi, to face the Tigers of Jackson State University. Tipoff is slated for 5:30 p.m.
