Brandon Friedel and top-ranked Tech put on a show in front of a school record crowd of 4,122 in Tucker Coliseum. Friedel’s 26 points and seven assists lifted the Wonder Boys to an 88-77 victory over Delta State in their first game in Tucker Coliseum as the number one-ranked team in the nation.

The Statesmen (13-4, 4-1) entered Saturday’s contest tied with Tech atop the west division standings looking to spoil the Wonder Boys’ (18-0, 5-0) undefeated season. Delta State took an early 2-5 lead, but an ensuing Irvin Humphrey layup and a Friedel 3-pointer gave Tech a lead it would never relinquish.

By halftime the Wonder Boys had surged to a

50-31 lead over the Statesmen, who were picked ahead of Tech in the preseason. Delta State shot a meager 32 percent from the field in the first half and connected on only one of nine 3-pointers.

The Wonder Boys continued to impose their will early in the second half, surging to a 64-38 lead six minutes into the second half. However, Delta State would rally, pulling to within 10 with 1:24 left in the game. The Statesmen would fail to cut the deficit to single digits, falling 88-77.

Jeremy Dunbar poured in 18 points after being held scoreless at Ouachita Baptist. Laithe Massey compiled another impressive performance with 14 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Irvin Humphrey and Renard Allen finished with 11 points apiece.

All-conference performer Chad Akins led the Statesmen with 26 points and six assists in a losing effort. Jeremie Davis finished a board shy of a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. Nebraska transfer and former Big 12 freshman of the year Joe McCray was held to a mere eight points.

The victory over Delta State is the first time the Wonder Boys have opened GSC play at 5-0 since joining the league in 1995.

Saturday’s record crowd of 4,122 shattered the old mark of 3,248 set in 1998 against the University of the Ozarks.

Tech returns to Tucker Coliseum tonight to take on Arkansas-Monticello. The Boll Weevils (9-6, 4-1) are currently tied with Delta State for second in the west division. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m.