Box Score NICEVILLE, Fla. – The Delta State University women's basketball team stole the show forcing a season-high 26 turnovers while gathering a season-high 26 steals en-route to a 56-35 victory over Christian Brothers University in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament at The Arena on Thursday, Marc.h 1

The Lady Statesmen (21-5) jumped out on top early going on a 12-4 run in the opening minutes. Christian Brothers (5-22) answered, closing the gap to within three on a Breanna Ridgell jumper from the baseline.

The green-and-white battled back forcing 17 Lady Buccaneer turnovers while gathering nine steals, turning the CBU mishaps into 10 points in the first-half to lead 21-13.

Denesha Henderson stepped up early and often in the first-half posting seven points for the Lady Statesmen and snagging three rebounds, but Henderson's defensive presence on the court led to three steals. Veronica Walker followed up Henderson posting five points and four rebounds.

Jasmine Ellis matched Henderson's first-half performance with seven points, four rebounds, and two blocks to lead the way for the Lady Buccaneers. Ridgell provided support with four points and three rebounds.

After only connecting on 6-of-26 (23.1%) from the field in the first-half the Lady Statesmen found their offensive rhythm and exploded going on a 14-3 run that extended the lead to 35-16 at the 15:59 mark.

The Lady Bucs attempted to climb back into the game closing the Lady Statesmen lead down to 11 at the 11:06 mark with a layup from Ellis, but that is as close as Christian Brothers came in the second-half.

Henderson finished the game with 15 points and six steals for the Lady Statesmen, while Walker finished just shy of a double-double performance posting 14 points and nine rebounds. Brooke Rhodes chipped in 11 points connecting on 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.

Ellis' 17 points led all scorers in the contest while also grabbing nine rebounds in the loss.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action Saturday, March 3 at 12:30 p.m. inside The Arena to face the winner of the University of West Alabama and the University of West Florida.