SOUTHAVEN – The Delta State University women's basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the Gulf South Conference Tournament after a 79-53 thrashing of the Lady Bisons of Harding University at the DeSoto Civic Center. DSU's Bug Cooper, a 5-foot-6 sophomore from Indianola, set a new GSC record for single season assists with 252 after dishing out 15 dimes on the night.

The Lady Statesmen improved to 24-6 on the season, while the Lady Bisons ended their season 20-10.

GSC Freshman of the Year Veronica Walker and sophomore guard Moe Bell led all scorers in the contest for the Lady Statesmen. Walker scored 19 points, 17 in the first half, and finished the game with her third double-double of the season after grabbing 10 rebounds. She also tied the DSU postseason single-game record with six blocked shots.

After the Lady Bisons opened the game with the first five points, the Lady Statesmen caught fire and went on a 16-5 run over the next five minutes, taking a 16-10 lead with 12 and a half minutes left in the game. They never trailed again.

Behind the hot hand of Walker, the Lady Statesmen continued to stretch the lead throughout the remainder of the first half, heading into the locker room with a 38-24 advantage.

The second half was not any easier for the Lady Bisons, as Bell knocked down 3-of-4 three-point shots in the second half, and Renita Jones added seven second half points. DSU outscored HU 41-29 in the second frame.

Ashley Anderson and Catherine McMenamy finished in double figures for Harding, but the Lady Statesmen defense was too much for the Lady Bisons to overcome.

The Lady Statesmen shot 56 percent on 29-of-51 attempts compared to the Lady Bisons 41.5 percent (22-of-53). DSU was also hit on 7-of-12 three-pointers and 14-of-18 free throw attempts. HU was 4-of-14 from three and 5-of-9 from the line.

DSU out-rebounded HU 37-18, and outscored the Lady Bisons 42-34.

The Lady Statesmen will face Valdosta State in the semifinals at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. The Lady Blazers advanced after defeating Arkansas Tech 56-47. The game will be broadcast on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network starting 30 minutes prior to tip-off. Matt Jones, Troy Treasure, and J.T. Webb will have the call.