Box Score

JACKSON, Tenn. – Chelsey Rhodes scored 19 points and Seneca Walton added 13 points and five rebounds to lead No. 18 Delta State University to a 60-46 victory at Union University Saturday, Feb. 22 at Fred Delay Gym.  The Lady Statesmen (20-4, 15-3 GSC) clinched the regular season Gulf South Conference title and the No. 1 seed at the upcoming GSC Tournament with the victory over the Lady Bulldogs (18-6, 13-5 GSC).

The Lady Statesmen and Lady Bulldogs played to a 28-28 tie in the first half of Union's Homecoming festivities.  With 6:19 remaining the half, Union led 28-14. A pair of Anissa Jackson free throws and 3-pointer by Rhodes, jumpstarted Delta State offensive, as the Lady Statesmen closed the half on a 14-0 run. 

DSU shot 40.7 percent in the first after making 11-of-27 shots.  UU hit on 10-of-32 for 31.3 percent. Rhodes led the Lady Statesmen with 12 points at the break.  Amber Rechis paced Union with 11. 

The Lady Statesmen kept the defensive clinic going in the second half, holding Union scoreless for the first 4:21 before Amy Philamlee hit a pair of free throws to cut DSU's lead to 36-30 with 15:39 to play. 

After a Philamlee 3-pointer and a pair of Rechis free throws, the Lady Bulldogs had reclaimed the lead 38-37 with 12:29 to go. 

With the score tied at 38-38, Walton's jumper put the Lady Statesmen up 40-38 with just over 10 minutes to go in the contest.

The Lady Statesmen would never look back, building a double-digit lead over the final 10 minutes of play en route to the 60-46 victory and the season sweep.

DSU held the vaunted Union offense in check in the second half to the tune of 13.6 percent from the field on just 3-of-22 attempts.  All three made baskets for the Lady Bulldogs were 3-pointers as well. 

The Lady Statesmen finished the night hitting 21-of-50 field goal attempts for 42 percent, including 2-of-7 from 3-point range.  DSU was 16-of-20 at the free throw line as well. 

Union was held to the lowest field goal percentage of any DSU opponent this season, as the Lady Bulldogs made a mere 24.1 percent of their shots.  UU was 13-of-54 from the floor and 7-of-33 from beyond the arc. 

DSU also out-rebounded UU 38-36 and outscored the Lady Bulldogs 14-4 off turnovers. 

Rhodes, who closed the night 5-of-9 from the field and 7-of-8 at the line, led all scorers with 19 points.  Walton added 13 points and five boards, while Chadisty Hickman chipped in 10 points and four rebounds. 

Jackson finished with eight points and Shanae Govan delivered six points, a career-high seven rebounds and three assists. 

UU's Philamlee and Rechis finished the night with 14 points apiece. 

The Lady Statesmen return to Walter Sillers Coliseum next week to face Valdosta State University and the University of West Florida to end the GSC regular season schedule.  Thursday's game versus VSU is slated for a 5:30 p.m. start, while Saturday's tipoff against UWF is set for 2 p.m.  Coach David Midlick and the Lady Statesmen will honor seniors Shanae Govan, Aubree Ray and Chadisty Hickman prior to the game.

Philip Tang will have the call on the Lady Statesmen Sports Network for both games.  Air time is 15 minutes prior to tipoff with the DSU Alumni Association Court Report.