CLEVELAND- The Delta State Lady Statesmen (24-2, 12-2 GSC) punished the Cotton Blossoms of Arkansas-Monticello (6-20, 2-12 GSC) Saturday, Feb 26 with a 92-58 win at Walter Sillers Coliseum, extending the home win record to 63 games.
“I am very pleased with this win,” said head coach Sandra Rushing. “But even if we are up by 30 points, I want them to continue to learn.”
In the first half, the Lady Statesmen dominated the court, outscoring UAM 54-34. Three senior Lady Statesmen went into the half already in the double-digits while the Cotton Blossoms highest scorer had seven points. The Green-and-White forced 12 turnovers in which they scored 17 points in the first period.
In the second half, Delta State continued to push their offense hard no matter what the scoreboard said. As a result, there were three Lady Statesmen with double-doubles at the end of the game.
Veronica Walker scored a team-high 20 points and pulled in 10 rebounds, making it her fifteenth double-double of the season.
Shameka Russell showed a solid performance gaining her first double-double of the season. She scored 19 points with 10 rebounds and three assists.
Bug Cooper was the usual helping hand in the game. She dished out 11 assists and put up 11 points.
Sheena Johnson also had a tremendous game after going 6 for 6 from the free throw line.
She ended the night with 12 points, two rebounds, two steals and one assists.
After an emotional senior day celebration, the senior class lit up the scoreboard and put on a show for the crowd.
The Lady Statesmen ended the night shooting 57.6 percent from the floor (34-59) and 69.2 percent from the line (18-26). They also shot 42.9 percent from behind the arch (6-14). DSU out-rebounded the Blossoms 41-21 as well as out-scoring them in the paint 42-22.
“They are so much fun to watch and they take pride in not losing in Walter Sillers,” said Rushing. “They have accomplished so much-- all that's left is a national championship."
The Lady Statesmen head to the DeSoto Civic Center in Southhaven on Wednesday where the Gulf South Conference tournament will be played. The GSC will release the official tournament bracket late Saturday night.
