GAME NOTES: Delta State vs. Christian Brothers (3.1.16) GSC Tourn. First Round CLEVELAND, Miss.– The nations top scoroing defense will be on display when No. 2 seed Delta State University (19-6, 16-6 GSC) women's basketball hosts No. 7 seed Christian Brothers University (11-15, 9-13 GSC) in the first round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The Lady Statesmen have been working hard on the defensive end leading the GSC and NCAA in scoring defense (49.3) while also leading the GSC in field goal percentage defense (35.3) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.5). Delta State has held 24-of-25 opponents to an average of 15.1 points below their season averages that includes three teams ranked in the top 25 in the NCAA in scoring (Arkansas Tech, Harding and Union). The only team to reach its season average against the Lady Statesmen was Harding (11.27.16). | LADY STATESMEN GAME DAY INFORMATION |
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| Date/Location | March 1, 2016 | Walter Sillers Colisem | Cleveland, Miss. |
| Tip-off Time | 6 p.m. | Christian Brothers |
| Records | Lady Statesmen (19-6, 16-6 GSC) | Buccaneers (11-15, 9-13 GSC) |
| Series History | DSU leads series 40-3 |
| Audio | Listen Here |
| Video | Watch Here |
| Live Stats | Follow Here |
TIP-OFFNo. 2 seed Delta State is seeking its 16th GSC Women's Basketball title and its first title since 2008-09. The Lady Statesmen finished as the GSC Tournament runner up the last two years, falling to Union (62-50) last year and to West Florida (67-59) in 2013-14.
The Lady Statesmen are 25-2 in GSC Tournament opening round games and have won 11 straight dating back to a 54-51 loss to Lincoln Memorial University (3.5.03). LMU also handed the Lady Statesmen its only other first round defeat, 79-71 (3.4.94).
Senior Chelsey Rhodes was named the GSC Women's Basketball Player of the Year becoming the 15th Lady Statesmen to earn the honor. Rhodes is the first player to earn the honor since former teammate Seneca Walton (2013-14). Additionally, Rhodes was named one of three finalists for the Gillom Trophy given to the top women's basketball player in the Mississippi. The trophy is named after former Ole Miss great Peggy Gillom-Granderson. Rhodes one of three finalist named -- Shandricka Sessom (Ole Miss) and Victoria Vivians (Miss. St.).
With Devin Schmdit and Rhodes sweeping the GSC Basketball POTY awards, it marked the ninth time a Statesmen and Lady Statesmen earned both yearly laurels.
The Lady Statesmen have been working hard on the defensive end leading the GSC and NCAA in scoring defense (49.3) while also leading the GSC in field goal percentage defense (35.3) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (28.5).
Delta State has held 24-of-25 opponents to an average of 15.1 points below their season averages that includes three teams ranked in the top 25 in the NCAA in scoring (Arkansas Tech, Harding and Union). The only team to reach its season average against the Lady Statesmen was Harding (11.27.16).
Rhodes leads the GSC (14th NCAA) in scoring (20.1) and is second in steals (2.4) and free throw percentage (82.8).
Delta State is 11-2 at home this season and has won 16 of its last 18 games at Walter Sillers Coliseum. The Lady Statesmen suffered a 54-53 loss to Lee University, 54-53, on a Haris Price buzzer beater last tim.
CBU Leaders: #25 Samantha Reeves (14.1 ppg./5.5 rpg./1.9 apg.), #21 Ashley Schaefer (10.7 ppg./4.9 rpg.), #1 Courtney Banks (10.5 ppg./3.1. rpg./3.6 apg.) #23 Madison Luckett (5.5 rpg.)
Career vs. CBU: Davis (3 G/3 GS/2.3 ppg./2.0 rpg.), Gilbert (2 G /16.5 ppg./4.0 rpg), Jackson (6 G/5 GS/3.3 ppg./3.2 rpg), Kneeland (2 G/4.0 ppg./3.5 rpg.), Rhodes (8 G/8 GS/14.6 ppg./2.9 rpg./2.7 apg./1.6 spg.), Riddle (3 G/0.7 ppg./2.3 rpg.), Ross (4 G/1.5 ppg./1.8 rpg.),Ruckes (7 G/2 GS/7.0 ppg. /3.0 rpg.), Rush (2 G/2 GS/ 15.0 ppg./4.5 rpg./1.5 apg.)
