Teams commit 67 fouls, Southern U tops MVSU 78-74

ITTA BENA, Miss. (AP) — Derick Beltran notched 19 points as Southern University sloppily defeated Mississippi Valley State 78-74 Monday night.

The teams combined for 67 personal fouls and 97 free-throw attempts, though neither was especially adept at converting.

The Jaguars (17-8, 11-2 Southwestern Athletic Conference) hit just 66 percent (35 of 53) at the line, led by a 10-of-13 showing from Javan Mitchell, who accrued 18 points before fouling out. Jameel Grace added 14 points and Brandon Moore 12.

The Delta Devils (4-19, 4-9) made 68.2 percent of their free throws (30 of 44), including 13 of 17 by Davon Usher, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds. Matt Smith added 13 points and 11 boards.

Four Southern players fouled out, while Smith was the only Delta Devil with five fouls.

MVSU trailed 59-45 after Mitchell’s free throw with 8:54 left, but responded with a 12-4 run to get within striking distance.