RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Delta State University women's basketball team delivered one of its grittiest performances of the young season on Tuesday afternoon, pushing unbeaten Arkansas Tech to the wire before falling 77–75 in a back-and-forth showdown inside Tucker Coliseum. The Lady Statesmen (2–2) controlled the flow early, led for long stretches, and showcased significant depth and shooting efficiency in a game that featured eight ties and 17 lead changes.

Delta State set the tone with a fast start, erupting for 26 first-quarter points behind sharp ball movement and confident perimeter shooting. The Lady Statesmen knocked down 12 three-pointers on the day—including five from Madi Kate Vuncannon, who finished with 15 points and sparked DSU's early momentum.

Dakiya Toney powered the inside attack, posting nearly a double-double with 14 points and 9 rebounds, consistently creating second-chance opportunities as DSU out rebounded Tech on the offensive glass and produced 18 points on second-chance play.

Sophomore guard Daniela Gintere continued her early-season rise with 11 points off the bench, including a momentum-swinging three late in the first quarter and multiple key defensive rebounds in transition. Olivia Allen added 8 points and 5 assists, while Adyson Roberts finished with 8 points, knocking down timely shots to halt Arkansas Tech runs.

DSU's balanced bench production—26 points from reserves—kept the Lady Statesmen competitive as foul trouble mounted in the second half. Despite ATU earning 34 free-throw attempts, Delta State stayed within striking distance until the final buzzer.

Head Coach Tracy Stewart-Lange's squad showed its trademark toughness throughout the afternoon, winning points off turnovers (17–9), matching ATU in paint scoring, and refusing to fold as the home team rallied.

Delta State will finish their non-conference slate this weekend as they travel to Searcy, Ark., to take on the Lady Bisons from Harding University Saturday afternoon at 5:30 p.m.