Turner makes DSU debut

CLEVELAND — Shepherd Tech isn’t the most appealing draw for basketball fans — but coming out to watch a former SEC talent is.
Phil Turner, a senior transfer from Mississippi State, made his Delta State (2-2) debut Tuesday night, coming off the bench and scoring 12 points and adding three blocks in a 89-69 victory over the small Christian academy school based out of Memphis.
Tuner nailed his first shot in green and white — a 3-pointer. He finished the night hitting 4-of-6 shots, including 2-of-3 from downtown.
Turner was suspended for the team’s two exhibition games and the first three games of the regular season due to unspecified reasons.
“He gave us a big spark off the bench,” said DSU coach Jason Conner. “We’re looking for big things from him.”
Turner was one of four Statesmen in double-figures. Chris Poelinitz had 19 points while Marqueys Brown (14 points, 11 rebounds) and Jamarkus Holt (14 points, 13 points) each had a double-double.
“We played much better offensively,” said Conner. “If we would have hit it anything from the free throw line, we would have beat them like we should.” DSU went 11-of-27 from the charity stripe.
DSU lead for most the game and held 32-26 halftime lead before sprinting away with the 20-point victory.
As for Turner, Conner said he still has a little work to do, but he’s happy to have him back with the team.
“We’re glad he’s back with us,” said Conner.