NCAA Tournament Notebook: Statesmen South Region Game Notes

CLEVELAND - The Statesmen (21-8, 10-4 GSCW) of Delta State University return to the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament for the first time since the 2005-2006 season this week, March 14-17, at the NCAA South Regional. The four-day event is being hosted by Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla., at Jenkins Fieldhouse. 

Delta State is making a GSC-record thirteenth appearance at the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament. In its 12 previous appearances, the Statesmen are 13-12 (.520), including two Elite Eight and one Final Four finish. 

The Statesmen will open the South Regional against a familiar foe, as the green-and-white will square off with GSC foe Christian Brothers University (22-6) on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. The winner between DSU/CBU will face the winner of the Benedict College (21-3) versus Valdosta State (24-6) game on Sunday, March 15 at 5 p.m. 

The Statesmen and Buccaneers have met twice already this season, with each school winning at home. DSU fell 65-75 in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 17, before regrouping and defeating the Bucs in Cleveland on Feb. 14, 66-54.
 
Seniors Oliver Mansour, a 6-foot-8 forward from Melbourne, Australia, Brad Skipper, a 6-foot-7 forward from Pensacola, Fla., and Jason Elzie, a 6-foot-4 small forward from Tupelo, will lead the charge for the Statesmen this week. All three will be making their first appearance in NCAA postseason play. 

The Statesmen Sports Network will broadcast all Delta State University games at the tournament this week starting 15 minutes prior to tip-off. J.T. Webb has the call.