Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. – Veronica Walker scored 25 points, 14 in the second half, to lead the Delta State University women's basketball team to an 80-52 win over the University of New Orleans Thursday at Walter Sillers Coliseum.  DSU blistered UNO's defense in the second half, shooting 70-percent on 21-of-30 attempts, outscoring the Privateers 48-22 en route to Sandra Rushing's 400th career victory.

The Lady Statesmen (19-5, 11-2 GSC) finished the game shooting 31-of-52 from the field for 59.6 percent, while holding the Privateers (0-25) to 34.5 percent on 19-of-55 shooting.  Neither team did well from beyond the arc, as DSU hit just 2-of-6 3-pointers and UNO a leaner 3-of-12. 

Walker, who passed LaTonya Patty into third place on the school's career scoring list with 2,107 points, was 11-of-15 from the field for 25 points with six rebounds and a season-high five blocks.  The two-time GSC Player of the Year is just 11 blocks away from the school record of 232 currently held by Pam Lockett (1987-90).

Seneca Walton joined Walker in double figures with 10 points and eight rebounds.  Brittany Roberts added nine points, while Brooke Rhodes, Ann Shelby Davis, Aubree Ray and Rhandi Ball all chipped in with eight points apiece.    

UNO's Mechel'le Thomas led the blue-and-white with 22 points, while Keri Thomas dropped in 11. 

DSU was sluggish out of the gate, leading 32-30 at the break. 

For DSU's Rushing, the win marked her 400th as a head coach.  The 22-year veteran is 400-251 overall, including an outstanding 251-56 in her 10 seasons at Delta State. 

The Lady Statesmen are one win away from a share of the Gulf South Conference regular season title and Saturday, Feb. 25, Delta State will host the Lady Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University with that in mind.  Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at Walter Sillers Coliseum.  Matt Jones and J.T. Webb will have the call on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network.