CLEVELAND- The Delta State Lady Statesmen (22-1, 10-1 GSC) outlasted the Henderson State Lady Reddies (13-10, 4-7) on Thursday, Feb. 17, defeating them 66-54 at Sillers Coliseum. DSU extended their home winning record to 62 games.

Henderson State approached the game at a much slower offensive pace than Delta State is used to. The Lady Reddies would burn 10 seconds off the shot clock before starting their offense up. After going 7 for 18 from the field in the first half, the Lady Reddies changed back to a faster offensive pace in the second half.

DSU led Henderson by 10 going into halftime (31-21). The Lady Statesmen forced 11 turnovers in which they took advantage and scored eight points. In the first half, Shameka Russell led the Lady Statesmen with nine points and six rebounds.

In the second half, the Lady Statesmen continued to be an unbearable force on defense. They forced Henderson State to turned the ball over 21 total times. The green-and-white scored 19 points off of the 21 turnovers.

However, DSU struggled controlling the ball as well. They uncharacteristically turned the ball over 16 times.

After playing three games in five days, Coach Sandra Rushing said, “We are mentally exhausted right now.”

Despite the exhaustion, the Lady Statesmen were still able to combine for 16 assists and 34 rebounds--13 were on the offensive side.

Bug Cooper had a great all around game, dishing out 12 of the 16 assists. She also scored seven points and pulled in six rebounds, five of which were offensive.

Veronica Walker with her 19 points was high scorer for the night. She was 8 of 11 from the field and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. She also had seven rebounds.

Shameka Russell had an outstanding game for the Lady Statesmen. She scored 12 points, brought in nine rebounds, gave out two assists, and grabbed one steal.

“Shameka Russell is playing really big for us,” said Rushing.

Moe Bell also had a great offensive night. She made all three of her three-point attempts, two of which were back to back. She ended the night with 10 points and three rebounds.

The Green-and-White finished the night 44.2 percent from the field (23-52) and 57.1 percent from the arch (4-7). The Lady Statesmen were 69.6 percent from the line (16-23)

DSU will travel to Russellville and take on the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech Saturday, Feb 19 for the second time this season. The Lady Statesmen lead the series 28-17.