CLEVELAND - The No. 4 Delta State University Lady Statesmen officially tip-off the 2009-2010 basketball season tonight at LeMoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tenn.  Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Bruce Hall.  It's the first meeting between the two schools since DSU defeated LOC 63-45 on Nov. 23, 2007.  The Lady Statesmen lead the all-time series with the Lady Magicians 8-0.

The Lady Statesmen opened the exhibition portion of their schedule a week ago with a 79-46 loss at the University of Tennessee.  DSU forced 18 Lady Vols turnovers in the loss, leaving coach Sandra Rushing excited about the opening of the season. 

"Our ladies really represented themselves well at Tennessee and believe they have taken a great deal away from the match-up.  I hope to see some of the same tenacity tonight at LeMoyne Owen College.  LOC is a proud member of the SIAC and traditionally they have been a solid opponent," stated Rushing. 

DSU will be led into the series by All-American candidates Bug Cooper, Moe Bell, Jessica Collins and Veronica Walker.  Cooper, a 5-foot-6 point guard from Indianola, scored 15 points against the Lady Vols, while Collins dropped in 10 points, grabbed six boards and dished out four assists.  

Delta State will open the home portion of its schedule Saturday afternoon against LeMoyne Own in Cleveland.  Game time is set for 4 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.