RUSSELLVILLE, Ark.- The Delta State Lady Statesmen (22-2, 10-2 GSC) fell 72-62 Saturday, Feb. 19, to the Golden Suns of Arkansas Tech (22-2, 11-1 GSC) Saturday, Feb. 19 at Tucker Coliseum, splitting the regular season competition 1-1.  It was the second loss of te season for the Lady Statesmen.  

Delta State shot 53.1 percent from the field, but it wasn't enough to come back from a 14-point deficit against Arkansas Tech.

“We were prepared for this game,” said head coach Sandra Rushing.” There just wasn't enough left in the tank to come back.”

The Lady Statesmen battled through a difficult first half. After jumping ahead with a five-point lead in the beginning of the game, Delta State began having a tough time shutting down the Golden Sun's offense. With 13:12 to go in the first period, the Lady Statesmen lost the lead and would not get it back for the rest of the game. After being down by nine points, the Lady Statesmen cut the deficit to four, ending the half at 36-32.

Turnovers plagued Delta State through both periods. They turned the ball over 22 times total. However, Arkansas Tech also did not control the ball the well. DSU forced them to turn it over 18 times.

The Golden Suns took advantage of their size and outrebounded the Lady Statesmen 34-29, 14 of which were offensive.

Veronica Walker continued to pound the basket down low the entire game. She achieved her thirteenth double-double of the season scoring 21 points and pulling in 10 rebounds.

Jamie Lack, Amber Powe and Brooke Rhodes played an important role on defense for the Lady Statesmen.

“Our younger girls came in and created a lot of problems for Arkansas Tech,” said Rushing.” “They forced a lot of those turnovers.”

Arkansas Tech shot 48.1 percent from the field (26-54), which was lower than DSU.

The Lady Statesmen ended the night at 53.1 percent from the field (26-49) and 18.2 percent from behind the arch (2-11). They shot 61.5 percent from the free throw line (8-13).

“I'm not sure how you can be so great at home and be inconsistent on the road,” said Rushing. “But I love this team; and I'm ready to go get this thing with my seniors.”

The Lady Statesmen will head off to Canale Arena on Thursday, Feb 24 to face Christian Brothers University for their final away game in the regular season. Tip off is set for 5 p.m.