MONTICELLO, Ark. – Bug Cooper scored a career-high 27 points to power the No. 2 ranked Lady Statesmen (13-0, 2-0 GSC) of Delta State University past the Cotton Blossoms (7-7, 1-1 GSC) 83-69 Thursday at Steelman Fieldhouse. 

After playing through a physical first half, the two Gulf South Conference foes found themselves in a track meet in the second half, as DSU outscored UAM 37-32 in the second frame and 13-5 over the final 6:20 for the win.   

UAM clawed to within four points at the 5:06 mark, 73-69, but in typical Lady Statesmen fashion, coach Sandra Rushing's defense held the Blossoms scoreless over the final 5:06 for the win. 
Delta State tacked on late baskets by Veronica Walker and Cooper, before icing the game at the line over the final 2:01. 

DSU shot 54.4 percent for the game on 31-of-57 from the field, while UAM connected on 52.2 percent on 24-of-46 shooting.  UAM was 7-of-14 from three-point range and 14-of-22 from the line, with DSU nailing just 2-of-8 three's and 19-of-26 free throws. 

DSU also out-rebounded UAM 31-35 and forced 20 turnovers leading to 22 points for the Lady Statesmen.  

Cooper finished the game shooting 13-of-24 from the field en route to a new career-high 27 points.  The nation's assists leader didn't disappoint in that stat line either, dishing out a game-high eight assists, while pulling down six rebounds. 

Walker added 18 points on 8-of-11 attempts with six rebounds.  Ashley Martin added 10 points, while Shameka Russell chipped in with eight.  Jimisha Washington scored a career-high seven points off the bench as well.

UAM placed two players in double figures, as Erika Brown and Nykita Gordon finished with 13 points each.

As the opening minutes of the game unfolded, what was expected to be a back-and-forth track meet looked more like a heavyweight wrestling match.  The Lady Statesmen were saddled with nine quick fouls after building a 17-7 lead, allowing the Cotton Blossoms to cut into the Lady Statesmen lead, 17-13. 

Leading 23-16 at the media timeout, a quick jumper by Bug Cooper followed by a deep three-pointer from Jessica Collins made it 28-16 with 7:46 to play in the half.

The Blossoms came out of the media timeout a different team, cutting the lead to as little as four points, 36-32 with 3:16 on the clock.

DSU would outscore UAM 10-5 over the final three minutes of the half to lead 46-37 at the break.
The Lady Statesmen shot 50 percent in the first half on 17-of-34 shooting, while the Blossoms nailed 12-of-20 shots for 60 percent.  DSU was 10-of-10 at the free throw line, while UAM made 9-of-16.  The green-and-white out-rebounded UAM 19-8 at the break.

Bug Cooper led DSU with 14 points and five assists at the half, while Ashley Martin dropped in 10. 
Nykita Gordon led UAM with nine points at the break.   

The Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum this Saturday, Jan. 16, as Delta State hosts the Lady Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University.  Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.  The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to tipoff with the “SouthGroup Insurance Locker Room Report.”  Jimmy Smith and J.T. Webb have the call.