Delta State’s rally from a 17-point deficit come up just short, as top seeded the University of West Alabama held on for a 27-20 win, in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs at Tiger Stadium.

Statesman (9-3, No. 5 seed) senior Chris Robinson rushed for more than 100 yards for the fourth consecutive week, gaining 105 on 23 carries with a touchdown. Robinson’s five-yard touchdown run was his 44th career score, tying Trevar Deed (2008-2010) for DSU’s career mark.

Robinson finished with 1,328 yards rushing and 20 total touchdowns this season, marking the second straight season with 20-plus touchdowns.

The Statesmen defense held the Tigers (10-2, No. 1 seed) under 30 points for the second time in two meetings. It was also just the third time this season that the Tiger offense was held below 30 points. DSU also held UWA to 406 total yards, 45 below its season average.

West Alabama advances to play the University of West Florida in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals on Sat., Dec. 2 at Tiger Stadium in Livingston, Ala.

The Statesmen scored on their first two possessions to build a 10-0 in first quarter lead.  Breck Ruddick capped the 11-play, 75-yard opening drive with a four-yard run with 10:27 remaining. Robinson carried the ball six times for 48 yards on the drive.

Vince Sciorrotta split the uprights from 36-yards out to stake the Statesmen to a 10-0 advantage heading to the second period. West Alabama responded with  20 straight points to close the second quarter with a 20-10 halftime lead.

Harry Satterwhite hooked up with Donta Armstrong for a 15-yard touchdown on the Tigers first possession of the third quarter to extend the lead to 27-10 with 11:05 remaining. 

Robinson’s five-yard touchdown run cut the UWA lead to 27-17 with 3:45 left in the third quarter.

Sciorrotta got the Statesmen to within a touchdown, as he converted a 30-yard effort with 8:41 left.

The Statesmen had one last possession with 1:47 remaining but Tevin Madison recovered a DSU fumble at the DSU 36 with 1:37 left. UWA would run out the clock at the DSU 8.