MOBILE, Ala. – The Delta State University Women's Basketball team fell to the Jaguars from the University of South Alabama 63-56 in a preseason exhibition Monday afternoon at the Mitchell Center.  
 
The Lady Statesmen had three double digit scorers, as Daniela Gintere led the team with 14 points shooting 4-6 from beyond the arch. Grace Watson posted a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Despite having foul trouble in the first half, freshman point guard Brilynn Findley scored 11 points and dished 3 assists.
 
The Lady Statesmen fell behind early as South Alabama pulled ahead to a 22-12 lead after the first quarter but battled back, outscoring the Jaguars 30-20 in the second and third quarters tying the game up at 42 going into the final frame.
 
With 2:40 to go in the first half, the Lady Statesmen trailed by 13 points before going on an 8-0 run to close out the half trailing 33-28.
 
Coming out of the half, the Lady Statesmen kept momentum as they held the Jaguars to nine third quarter points tying the game up at 42 going into the final frame. In the second and third quarters, the Lady Statesmen shot 42.8 percent from the field and 45.4 percent from beyond the arch.
 
With 2:46 remaining in the fourth, the Lady Statesmen would get a three-pointer from Wakiryah Daniels to give the Lady Statesmen at 56-55 lead.
 
The Jaguars would finish the game on an 8-0 run to take a 63-56 victory.
 
The Lady Statesmen will open their 2024-2025 season in Clinton this Friday as they face Lane College in the GSC/SIAC conference challenge at Mississippi College at 1:00 p.m., before coming to Walter Sillers Coliseum this Saturday to face LeMoyne-Owen. Tip off Saturday evening will be at 6:30 p.m. (CDT).