ARKADELPHIA, ARK – Bug Cooper, Shameka Russell and Veronica Walker for the Delta State Lady Statesmen (16-1, GSC 4-1) scored in the double digits giving them the 69-65 win in a close fight against the Henderson State Lady Reddies (11-5, 2-2 GSC) Thursday at the Duke Wells HPER Center.

Shameka Russell had her best game of the season scoring 14 points and rebounding six times.

Bug Cooper was on top of her game scoring 11 points, rebounding eight times and dishing out nine assists.

Veronica Walker had a stellar performance as usual scoring 16 points, which was the most scored by any individual for the night, and getting seven rebounds. She scored 14 of those points in the second half.

It came down to the last minute but smart thinking and free throws won the game. The Lady Statesmen made 66.7 percent of the free throws on the night (16-24).

In the first half, the Lady Statesmen struggled rebounding the ball. They were outrebounded by the Lady Reddies 23-14. The Lady Statesmen also struggled keeping possession of the ball as they turned it over 11 times. They only turned it over 2 more times the rest of the game.

Shameka Russell found a rhythm quickly in the first half scoring 10 points and pulling in three rebounds—three of which were offensive.

The Lady Statesmen will take on the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech Saturday, January 22 at Sillers Coliseum and will defend a 58-game home winning streak. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.