JACKSON, Miss. - The top-ranked Delta State University women's basketball team survived an upset bid Friday night at Tougaloo College, escaping the "Dawg Pound" with a 75-67 victory over the Lady Bulldogs.  The victory improved the Lady Statesmen to 10-0 on the season, while the upset-minded Lady Bulldogs slipped to 5-8.

The first half of the contest was all Delta State's, as the Lady Statesmen cruised to a 21-point, 47-26, halftime lead.  DSU connected on 64.7 (22-of-34) percent from the floor, while holding Tougaloo to just 26.5 (9-of-34) percent in the opening frame. 

The second half was a completely different story, as the Lady Bulldogs flipped the script, outscoring DSU 41-28, to make it a narrow 75-67 victory for the Lady Statesmen.

Using tenacious defense, TC forced DSU into several uncharacteristic errors that the Lady Bulldogs managed to capitalize on throughout the half.  When the horn sounded, the Lady Statesmen shot just 37.5 (12-of-32) percent in the second half, while TC connected on 45.5 (15-of-33) percent. 

TC also used a hefty advantage at the free throw line to keep it close down the stretch.  The Lady Bulldogs, who attacked the basket all night, hit on 16-of-27 free throws, while the Lady Statesmen managed just 3-of-8. 

DSU's Veronica Walker turned in her fourth double-double of the season with a game-high 30 points and 11 rebounds.  Aubree Ray added a career-high 22 points on 10-of-11 shooting. 

TC placed four players in double figures, led by Demara Bolton's 18 points and seven rebounds. 

The Lady Statesmen will return to the court on Friday, Dec. 31 versus West Texas A&M.  Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.