Box Score
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Lady Statesmen of Delta State University traveled to Memphis, Tenn., on Saturday afternoon to open Gulf South Conference play against the Lady Bucs of Christian Brothers. Delta State claimed the 61-53 win to improve to 6-1 on the season and 1-0 in conference play, while Christian Brothers fall to 4-3 on the season and 0-1 in conference.

A sloppy first half on both sides of the ball saw a combined 27 turnovers between the two squads. Trailing by seven with 3:54 left in the first half, Delta State went on a 12-0 run to head into the locker room with three straight baskets from Becca Ruckes, a three-pointer from Chelsey Rhodes, and a made jumper from Myiesha Stewart with four seconds left. The Lady Statesmen led Christian Brothers 31-26 at the half.

The second half was a different story as the Green-and-White came out of the locker room firing as they went on an 11-7 run. Christian Brothers closed the gap to trail just 48-45 with 7:48 left in the game. The Green-and-White held their largest lead of the night with nine points with 38 seconds remaining in the game. The Lady Bucs and Lady Statesmen exchanged baskets before Delta State took the 61-53 win over Christian Brothers.

Chelsey Rhodes led Delta State with 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Rhandi Ball added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Seneca Walton contributed 10 points and four rebounds.

The Lady Statesmen shot 45.7 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from long range, and 80 percent from the free throw line. The Delta defense held the Lady Bucs to a 32.2 field goal percentage and 11.1 three-point percentage.

Delta State returns to action for a conference road series with West Alabama and Alabama-Huntsville. The Lady Statesmen will face the Tigers of West Alabama in Livingston on Thursday, Dec. 19 before traveling to Huntsville, Ala., to face Alabama-Huntsville on Dec. 21.