ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The No. 2 ranked Delta State University Lady Statesmen (12-0, 1-0 GSC) placed four players in double figures, led by Veronica Walker's 23 points and seven rebounds, en route to a 71-60 victory over the Lady Tigers (8-6, 0-1 GSC) of Ouachita Baptist University Saturday at Bill Vining Arena in the Gulf South Conference opener for both schools. 

The Lady Statesmen, picked to repeat as GSC champions for a record fifth-straight year, jumped out to a quick start Saturday to claim a 33-23 lead at the break. DSU shot 50 percent (14-of-28) in the half, while holding OBU to a mere 26.7 percent (8-of-30). 

Veronica Walker, a 6-foot-1 sophomore from Indianola, led all scorers at the half with 16 points. OBU's Gabby Coleman had 10 points. 

The Lady Statesmen raced out to an 18 point lead, 46-28, with a 13-5 run at the 14:07 mark of the second half. 

With the Lady Statesmen in command, the Lady Tigers cut the DSU lead to 11, 66-55, with 1:16 to play on Domino Miller's three-pointer from the corner. 

Both teams would score five points over the remaining 1:10, as DSU salted away the win to remain undefeated on the year. 

DSU finished the game shooting 43.0 percent (25-of-57), including 4-of-9 from three point range and 17-of-20 (85 percent) from the free throw line. OBU connected on just 16-of-54 shots for 29.6 percent, and 6-of-14 three point attempts. The Lady Tigers were also 22-of-28 from the line for 78.6 percent. 

The Lady Statesmen also outscored OBU 28-12 in the paint and 22-9 off turnovers, while out-rebounding the Lady Tigers 41-33. 

Walker led the Lady Statesmen with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field. She also grabbed seven boards and swatted four shots in the win. 

Shameka Russell added 14 points and four boards, while Moe Bell chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds. Bug Cooper finished with 10 points, six rebounds and seven assists. 

OBU's Coleman led all scorers with 24 points and eight boards. 

The Lady Statesmen return to action Thursday, Jan. 14 at the University of Arkansas-Monticello. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at Steeleman Fieldhouse in Monticello, Ark. The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting 15 minutes prior to tip-off. Jimmy Smith, J.T. Webb and Oliver Mansour will have the call.