Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. – Sophomore forward Rhandi Ball scored the first basket of the game and the last for the Delta State University Women's Basketball team, as the Lady Statesmen claimed a 49-46 victory over Union University Thursday, Feb. 7 at Walter Sillers Coliseum.  The Lady Statesmen, who claimed sole possession of first play in the league, improved to 13-6 overall and 8-3 in Gulf South Conference play, while the Lady Bulldogs slipped to 14-6 and 9-4 in the GSC.

Leading 47-46 with 17 seconds to play, Ball stole the ball from Union's Rebecca Sharpe and drove the length of the court for a victory-sealing layup with 5.7 seconds to go in regulations. Amy Philamlee's desperation 3-point attempt was too hard off the back of the iron as DSU's Brittany Roberts cleared the rebound and the win.

In a game marred by offensive inconsistency and six lead changes, the Lady Statesmen finished the game shooting 45 percent on 19-of-45 field goal attempts, including 4-of-13 from 3-point range and struggled at the line with 7-of-11 made free throws.

The Lady Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging 67.7 points, were held to just 28.6 percent on 16-of-56 attempts from the field.  UU drilled 9-of-33 from 3-point range and connected on 5-of-6 free throws. 

DSU, who outscored Union 20-8 in the paint, was led by Brooke Rhodes' 12 points.  Seneca Walton added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Roberts dropped in nine points.  Chelsey Rhodes closed with seven points.

UU's Amber Rechis led all scorers with 26 points, including 6-of-10 made 3-point attempts.  Philamlee closed with eight points. 

DSU held a 23-16 lead at halftime. 

The Lady Statesmen return to the court on Saturday, Feb. 9 at the University of North Alabama, who claimed a buzzer-beating 59-58 win at Sillers Coliseum back on Jan. 5.  Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. at Flowers Hall.  J.T. Webb and Herb Brooks will have the call on the Statesmen Sports Network.