MONTEVALLO, Ala. – The Delta State University Women's Basketball team (5-3, 3-0 GSC) used a wire-to-wire defensive effort and a balanced scoring night to stay perfect in Gulf South Conference play, taking down the University of Montevallo (1-6, 0-3 GSC) 65–49 on Thursday evening inside Central State Bank Arena. The Lady Statesmen move to 5–3 overall and 3–0 in GSC action, extending their early-season momentum with another composed road performance.

DSU set the tone early, holding the Falcons to just nine points in each of the first two quarters and building a 31–18 halftime advantage. The defensive pressure forced 14 Montevallo turnovers on the night while limiting the Falcons to 38 percent shooting from the floor. Delta State also controlled the interior, limiting the Falcons to a 25% field goal percentage in the opening

Offensively, Dakiya Toney powered the attack with 14 points and six rebounds, attacking the lane consistently and providing key buckets in all four quarters. Olivia Allen delivered one of her most efficient outings of the season, posting 15 points, including a trio of three-pointers, while adding six boards and two steals, one being a key steal to a three-pointer to jump start a 12-2 run to finish the contest.

Kennedee Shelton was a force on both ends, finishing with 11 points and a team-best nine rebounds, helping DSU maintain control of the glass throughout the night.

DSU's depth also played a major role, with the bench contributing 17 points. Alyse Holliman, Daniela Gintere, Anna Cera, and JNyria Kelly all provided valuable minutes, combining for timely baskets that stretched the lead whenever Montevallo threatened.

The Falcons made their strongest push in the third quarter, cutting the deficit behind a 23-point frame with all points scored in the paint, but the Lady Statesmen responded with poise, matching Montevallo's run and heading into the fourth with a 48–41 advantage. Delta State then put the game away with another dominant defensive quarter, outscoring the Falcons 17–8 down the stretch including a 12-2 run in the final minutes.

Delta State returns to action Sunday afternoon as Gulf South play continues, looking to build on its unbeaten conference start against the Warhawks from Auburn University at Montgomery. Tip-off will be at 2:00 p.m., at the AUM Athletics Complex.