SOUTHAVEN – After winning three consecutive Gulf South Conference Championships by a combined 37 points, Lady Statesmen basketball fans were checked on the way out of the Desoto Civic Center for cardiac arrest after a breathtaking 53-51 overtime victory against the Cotton Blossoms of Arkansas-Monticello.
The Lady Statesmen (26-6) took the lead less than two minutes into the game, and stretched the lead to as many as nine points, but the Cotton Blossoms (20-8) fought and clawed their way back into the game, erasing a 27-21 halftime deficit with three minutes left in regulation.
With 1:30 left in regulation and the Lady Statesmen leading by three points, Andrea Dubose stepped up and drained a long three-point basket to tie the game 44-44, and two Cotton Blossom attempts fell short with a second left to send the game into overtime.
The Lady Statesmen opened the overtime period like a team on a mission, using three-straight three-point baskets by Lamaesha McAdory to take a 53-45 lead with 2:12 left on the clock. Again, the Cotton Blossoms fought their way back, cutting the two with 1:05 remaining. The UAM defense didn't allow Delta State a single point in the final two minutes of the game, but Erika Brown's layup bounced out. Tournament MVP Bug Cooper secured the rebound and the win with two seconds left on the clock.
With the win, the Lady Statesmen claimed their 15th GSC Championship and fourth straight. Fifth-year seniors
Renita Jones and
Courtney Wilson have never lost a GSC Tournament game, and both made valuable contributions in this championship game. The duo combined for 10 points and four rebounds, but it was their efforts on the defensive end that stood out the most.
Senior McAdory led the Lady Statesmen with 19 points and 14 rebounds, earning All-Tournament honors. After being held to just one shot in the overtime victory against Valdosta State in the semifinal matchup, sophomore
Moe Bell bounced back for eight points against the Cotton Blossoms.
GSC Freshman of the Year and All-Tournament award winner
Veronica Walker joined McAdory in double figures, going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for 10 points. She also added three blocked shots, and it was her offensive rebound that led to two free-throws near the end of regulation that stretched the lead to three points before the tying UAM three-point basket.
Monica Perkins-Miller led the Cotton Blossoms with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Andrea Dubose added 10 points and five boards.
With the win, the Lady Statesmen all but secured the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA South Region and are set to host the South Region Championship Tournament March 13-16.
