Box Score CLEVELAND - The Lady Statesmen rallied to defeat Valdosta State 52-48 Saturday afternoon to pick up a win in a crucial Gulf South Conference match up.
 
The Lady Statesmen (11-6, 6-3 GSC) took their first lead in the match with a three-point shot from Chadisty Hickman to go up 39-38 with 6:18 remaining in the contest.
 
After the Lady Blazers (10-7, 3-6 GSC) answered to regain the lead, Chelsey Rhodes put the Lady Statesmen ahead for good with a layup.
 
Rhandi Ball led the way for the Green-and-White with 21 points, including the final point on a free throw to seal the victory with two seconds remaining.
 
Delta State played catch-up for the majority of the game after being held scoreless for the first 6:58 of the game.
 
The Lady Statesmen defense stepped up, holding the Lady Blazers to only six points in the scoring drought.
 
Valdosta State opened up a 17-8 lead late in the first half, but the Lady Statesmen rallied with 11 points in the final six minutes of the half to close the Valdosta lead to 23-19 after 20 minutes.
 
Ball led all Lady Statesmen with 10 points in the first half. She finished with 20 points and six rebounds.
 
After exchanging points for much of the second half, the Lady Statesmen went on an 8-2 run, capped off by Hickman's three pointer to take the lead.
 
Hickman finished with 10 points in the game. The junior also had six rebounds in the game.
 
Seneca Walton led all Lady Statesmen with seven rebounds. Walton also had four free throws late in the second half to help secure the victory for Delta State. She finished with seven points.
 
The Lady Statesmen will return to action at Christian Brothers on Saturday, February 2.  Tip off is set for 2 p.m.