CLEVELAND- Sophomore guard Bug Cooper narrowly missed a double-double as the Delta State University Lady Statesmen had a strong second half to pick up a 59-45 victory over Arkansas-Monticello Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. 

The win extends their home winning streak to 29 games, and 26 consecutive victories in Gulf South Conference. Delta State improves to 12-5(2-0) while the Cotton Blossoms fall to 9-4 (1-1). 

The Lady Statesmen held the Cotton Blossoms to just 25 percent shooting despite trailing for most of the first half. 

Delta State got their first lead of the game with a little over 15 minutes left to play. UAM made their baskets inside and stepped up their defensive play, forcing 12 Delta State turnovers. However, they only scored six points off of turnovers. Delta State led 21-18 at the break. 

Moe Bell and Veronica Walker finished with six points apiece to lead the Lady Statesmen. 

The Cotton Blossoms struggled offensively late in the first half and it carried over into the second, as they were held scoreless for 10:22, scoring their first points in the second half just four minutes in. 

Delta State continued to shoot the ball well, leading by as many as 14 points with three minutes left to play. 

The Lady Statesmen shot 58 percent in the second half including 9-of-12 from the free-throw line. The 
Cotton Blossoms shot 25 percent for the game, despite forcing 19 defensive turnovers. 

Cooper finished with a team-high 15 points and nine assists. Walker also finished in double digits, knocking down 10 of her own. 

The Lady Statesmen will travel to Memphis this Saturday as the battle Christian Brothers University. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.