SEARCY, Ark. – Unable to get a last three point shot off before the clock expired, the Delta State Lady Statesmen lost their first game of the season to the Harding University Lady Bisons 66-69 at Rhodes Field House on Saturday night.

The first half was a struggle to say the least for the Lady Statesmen. They shot only 23.5 percent from the floor (8-34). The Lady Bisons defense stifled the green-and-white holding them to just 23 points by halftime.

On the other hand, the Lady Statesmen's defense gave up 47 points in the first half. Sierra Rollins was a key component for the Lady Bisons offense scoring 12 points and rebounding 11 times by halftime.

The second half looked like a different game for the Lady Statesmen (14-1, 2-1) as they came back to the court with jaw-dropping intensity. They took a 57-56 lead with 6:49 left in the second half— their first lead in the game.

Sheena Johnson had one of her best games of the season scoring 19 total points and rebounding seven times in her 35 minutes of play.

Veronica Walker achieved her sixth double-double of the season scoring 13 points and rebounding 10 times.

The Lady Statesmen's defense put a stop to the Lady Bisons scoring in the second half holding them to 22.7 percent from the floor (5-22).

In spite of their best efforts, the green-and-white fell just short of the big win.

Delta State will travel to Arkadelphia, Ark., on Thursday, January 20 to take on the Lady Reddies of Henderson State. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m at the Duke Wells Center.