Box Score CLEVELAND—The Lady Statesmen basketball team tipped of their 2011-2012 regular season Saturday, as they took on Southern Arkansas. The match-up was also the opening game of the Lloyd Clark Classic. The Lady Statesmen jumped out to a big lead early, and never looked back as they defeated Southern Arkansas 79-48.

The Lady Statesmen (1-0), opened the game on a 20-to-3 run, and jumped out to an early lead. The Lady Statesmen kept rolling in the first half, as they took a 48-29 lead into halftime. As a team, the Lady Statesmen shot 59 percent in the opening half. Junior guard Brittany Roberts led the way for the Lady Statesmen, as she scored 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Sophomore guard Brooke Rhodes, and senior forward Veronica Walker each had 12 in the first half.

The offense kept clicking for the Lady Statesmen as they outscored the Lady Muleriders 31-19 in the last 20 minutes en route to the 79-48 victory. Roberts finished the game with 22 points for the Lady Statesmen. Walker recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Katherine McBride scored a team high 14 points for Southern Arkansas (0-1). The Lady Muleriders shot 21 percent for the game, and turned the ball over 20 times.

The Lady Statesmen shot 52 percent for the entire game, and turned the ball over 17 times. Delta State won the rebound battle as they pulled down 47 boards to 39 for SAU.

The Lloyd Clark Classic continues tomorrow, as both these teams will take the floor on Sunday. The Lady Statesmen will face Florida Southern who beat West Alabama 89-58 Saturday evening. Southern Arkansas will match-up with West Alabama. The Lady Statesmen and Lady Mocs will tip-off at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon.