Box Score
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The Gulf South Conference matchup between Delta State University and Lee University marks the first meeting between the two programs in history. The Lady Statesmen claimed the 71-64 victory over the Lady Flames of Lee University to improve to 11-1 on the season and a perfect 6-0 in conference play. Lee slips to 7-4 overall and 3-2 in conference action.

This game foreshadowed a future rivalry with the Lady Statesmen and Lady Flames as the two squads proved they were two of the best teams in the conference. Lee entered the game on a 43 game home win streak at Walker Arena in Cleveland, Tenn., one that started in 2010.

The score for first half action remained close until Delta State executed on three straight possessions around the ten-minute mark. Two consecutive steals from Shanae Govan resulted in fast break buckets from Anissa Jackson and Govan. An old-fashion three-point play from Chelsey Rhodes on the next DSU possession gave the Lady Statesmen the 17-11 advantage with 8:33 remaining in the game. The Lady Flames threatened and climbed back within two points before Delta State extended their lead to 27-19 when Govan drained a jumper in the paint with 4:19 left in the first half. The Lady Statesmen closed out the first half leading Lee University 33-21.

The Lady Flames opened the second half with two quick baskets, but Delta State picked up the pace with good defense and mounted a rally to go up by 14, their largest lead of the night, to lead 48-34 with 11:15 to go. Lee clawed their way back within four points, 55-51, with 7:11 remaining to make the game even more interesting. Keeping composure, the Lady Statesmen answered with baskets from Rhandi Ball and Seneca Walton to ignite a decisive 8-3 run going into the final media timeout of the game to lead 65-54 with 3:39 left in the contest. The Green-and-White held on to win 71-64 to continue their undefeated conference record and snap Lee's 43 game home win streak.

Junior center Seneca Walton recorded her seventh double-double of the season with a season-high 22 points and 11 rebounds to guide Delta State to the win over the Lady Flames. Sophomore Chelsey Rhodes joined Walton in double figures with 16 points. Rhandi Ball and Shanae Govan followed with eight points each. Lee turnovers combined with fast break baskets from the Green-and-White hoisted Delta State over the Lady Flames.

Lee's press defense was not enough to contain DSU's offensive attack as the Lady Statesmen shot 49.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from downtown. The Delta defense held the Lady Flames to a 37.9 field goal percentage.

DSU returns home to Walter Sillers Coliseum on Thursday, Jan. 16 to face GSC opponent North Alabama. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.