MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Moe Bell's career-high 23 points powered the Delta State University women's basketball team to a 78-44 victory over Southern Arkansas on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the W.T. Watson Athletic Center. The victory extended Delta State's Gulf South Conference win streak to 28 games, dating to the 2006-2007 season.

The Lady Statesmen improved to 14-5 and 4-0 in GSC play. The Lady Riders slid to 7-10 overall and 1-3 in the GSC.

“We had a tremendous second half performance tonight,” said Sandra Rushing, Lady Statesmen head coach. “Moe kept their defense at bay from three-point range, while Veronica Walker continues to improve in the paint. Our defensive effort was also impressive and I believe we've made some great strides over the last couple of weeks.”

The first seven minutes of tonight's game appeared more like a football game than a basketball contest. Southern Arkansas jumped out of the gates quickly to a 7-2 lead, but Delta Coach Sandra Rushing quickly adjusted the game plan and righted the ship.

Veronica Walker's lay-up with 6:28 left in the first half gave the Lady Statesmen a 15-14 lead, and Delta State never trailed again.

The half closed with the Lady Statesmen on a 7-0 run to lead 31-23 at the horn.

The Lady Statesmen exploded to start the second half, jumping out to 7-0 start before SAU got on the board. That intensity carried the Lady Statesmen through the rest of the half for an impressive 78-44 victory.

Delta State finished the night shooting 56.1 percent (32-of-57), 78 percent (7-of-9) from three-point range, and 70 percent ( 7-of-10) from the charity stripe.

The Lady Statesmen's stifling defense kept SAU off balance all night, shooting just 31.3 percent on 15-of-48 attempts. SAU was 3-of-12 from three and 11-of-14 from the line.

DSU dominated the boards 43-20, and outscored the Lady Riders 44-12 in the paint.

Delta State's Moe Bell, a 5-foot-10 sophomore guard from Madison, delivered a career-high 23 points on the night, including 7-of-9 from three-point range. Bell had just five points at the break.

Freshman sensation Veronica Walker scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds. LaMaesha McAdory added 13 points and six rebounds, and Renita Jones dropped in 11 points and cleared four rebounds.

Bug Cooper dished out eight assists for a third-straight game and scored six points.

Southern Arkansas was led by Goldie White's 14 points and six rebounds.

The Lady Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum Saturday, Jan. 24, as Delta State hosts No. 16 Arkansas Tech in a showdown for first place in the GSC West Division. DSU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and Lady Statesmen Basketball will host the second annual Make-A-Wish Night during the contest. Over 86 Make-A-Wish kids, parents and volunteers will be in attendance at the game. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m.