ROME -- Late free throws were the difference for the Hawks in the 78-77 win over Delta State Saturday afternoon.

With the win, Shorter moves to 3-12 on the season and 3-7 in conference play; while the Statesmen slip to 8-12 overall and 6-6 in the GSC.

Leading by five at the break, the Hawks extended their lead to as many as ten in the second half; thanks to a 12-3 run early in the period. Only to have the Statesmen come back to erase the advantage and tie the game at 51 with 6:14 to play on a jumper from Brett Warner to cap a 13-3 run of their own. From there Delta State pulled away, and led by six with a minute to play, before the Hawks stormed back to force overtime. Through the final minute it was all Amonte Potter for the Hawks as the senior tallied all eight points needed to tie the game, including three straight free throws after being fouled on three-point attempt as time ran down.

In over time, the teams traded the lead with the Statesmen holding a 77-75 advantage with under a minute to go. Again, the Hawks' were fouled on a three-point attempt, sending TayVaughn Major to the line for three shots, which he made with seven seconds to play. Delta State had one final attempt to win but weren't able to get the shot off before time expired securing the 78-77 victory for the Hawks.

Potter led Shorter with 22 points, while converting 3-4 from the free throw line – all in the final seconds of regulation. While, Josh Burnett added 19 points with 15 coming from long-range. Major also finished in double figures, turning in 15 points. As did Jacob Newman with 10.

PJ Davis led Delta State and all scorers on the afternoon with 33 points.

The Hawks will look to keep the momentum against Mississippi College, Monday at 6:00pm from the Winthrop-King Centre.