FLORENCE – The second ranked University of North Alabama Lions overcame a 10-point first half deficit to down the Delta State Statesmen 34-24 at Braly Stadium.  The win improves UNA’s record to 8-0 and the Lions are now 5-0 in the Gulf South Conference.  Delta  State falls to 3-4 and 2-3.

UNA scored just 35 seconds into the game but then found itself on the short end of a 24-14 score midway through the second quarter. The Lions closed the deficit to 24-21 at the half and then shutout the Statesmen over the final 30 minutes, while scoring 13 points of their own.

The clinching score came when UNA’s Quinton Andrews returned a Garrett DeWitt interception 40 yards for a touchdown with 10:04 left in the game. Andrews finished the game with 18 tackles, two caused fumbles, a  fumble recovery and an interception.

The win was the Lions’ 24^th consecutive regular season win at home and 17^th straight home win overall. UNA’s Senior Class of 2009 has never lost a regular-season game at home.  The Lions have also won 11 straight games against Gulf South Conference schools.

Tim Hicks led UNA’s offensive  efforts with 18 carries for 180 yards. UNA quarterback Harrison Beck was 18-of-34 for 213 yards and three scores and T.J. Porter had seven catches  for 72 yards and two TDs. Delta State quarterback Garrett DeWitt was 38-of-55 for 250 yards. Trevar Deed had 115 yards receiving and 122 yards rushing for the Statesmen.

UNA linebacker Michael Johnson had 16 tackles for the Lions.

It took North Alabama just three plays to get into the end zone. Tim Hicks scored on a 39-yard run and Kenny Spencer’s extra-point kick made it 7-0 with 14:25 left in the first quarter.

Delta State answered immediately, however, marching 76 yards in 16 plays for a touchdown of its own. Trevar Deed dove through the right side of the line for the score and Matt Dean’s PAT tied the game 7-7 with 7:42 left in the first quarter.

Following a UNA punt, Delta state again drove to the end zone and Deed covered the final two yards for the score. Dean’s PAT gave the Statesmen a 14-7 lead with 5:49 left in the first quarter.

North Alabama scored just three plays later to tie the game. Harrison Beck connected with Mico McSwain on a 56-yard touchdown pass and Spencer’s PAT made it 14-14 with 4:41 left in the opening period.

Derek Freeman recovered his own fumble in the end zone for a touchdown on Delta’s next possession and Dean’s kick made it 21-14 with 2:07 still left in the first quarter.

A 25-yard Dean field goal at 8:26 of the second quarter  extended DSU’s lead to 24-14 with 8:26 left in the half.

After UNA recovered a DSU fumble, the Lions scored five plays later on a seven-yard TD pass  from Beck to T.J. Porter. Spencer’s kick cut Delta’s lead to 24-21 with 4:17 remaining in the first half.

Delta State held onto the ball throughout the third quarter but couldn’t get on the scoreboard. UNA finally broke through in the fourth quarter  when Beck threw his third TD pass of the night, this one for five yards to T.J. Porter. Spencer’s kick gave UNA the lead at 28-24 with 12:13 left in the game.

Andrews pick and return clinched the win for the Lions as Spencer’s kick made it 34-24 with 10:04 left.

North Alabama travels to Valdosta State next Thursday  (October 22) to take on the Blazers in a game that will be televised by CBS College Sports. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Central Time.