CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Lady Statesmen rode a second half 12-3 run to pull away with a 61-45 victory over Montevallo Thursday afternoon at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The win extends their winning streak to eight games, as the Lady Statesmen improve to 9-4.  The Lady Flacons fall to 3-9.

It was a career night for Bug Cooper, who finished with a career-high 14 assists.  She added two points and eight rebounds.  

The Lady Statesmen shot 40 percent in the first half, including 3-of-4 from down town courtesy of Moe Bell who led all scorers at the half with 11. 

The teams were even from the opening tip-off, with the lead changing just three times. Delta State held the Lady Falcons to 32 percent shooting, including 5-of-11 from three-point range. 

Delta State scored outscored Montevallo inside the paint 10-6, as they held on to a close, 32-26, lead at the break. 

With a little over six minutes left to play, the Lady Statesmen finally established a run in the second half, and extended their lead to 15 points, 55-41, with a 12-3 run. Montevallo was held to four points in the final 4:36 of the game. 

The Lady Statesmen shot 41 percent for the game, including 6-of-11 from behind the arch. The Lady Falcons were held to 28 percent shooting and were dominated inside the paint, outscored 24-8 by DSU. 

Veronica Walker, the Gulf South Conference Player of the Week, had 13 points off the bench to lead the team, while Bell and Shameka Russell finished with 11 points apiece.

The Lady Statesmen travel to Boca Raton, Fla. to participate in the Double-Tree Classic hosted by Lynn University December 29-20. Delta State will battle Lynn in the opening game with tip-off set for 4 p.m.