CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University women's basketball team (7-3 overall, 5-0 GSC) built a double-digit lead in the third quarter and held off a late push by West Alabama to earn a 58-47 Gulf South Conference victory on Thursday night at Sillers Coliseum.

The Lady Statesmen led for more than 35 minutes and used defensive pressure and points off turnovers to control the tempo throughout the contest. Delta State forced 19 turnovers and converted them into 23 points.

DSU was paced by Dakiya Toney, who finished with a season-high 16 points and nine rebounds, going 6-of-12 from the field while adding two steals. Jariyah Williamson added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Olivia Allen chipped in 10 points and a team-best three steals.

Delta State took a 28-20 advantage into halftime, then opened the third quarter with a decisive run. The Lady Statesmen outscored the Tigers 18-14 in the quarter, stretching the lead to as many as 16 points following a Williamson pull-up jumper midway through the quarter.

West Alabama battled back in the fourth, trimming the deficit to four with just under four minutes remaining, but Delta State answered at the free-throw line and used timely defensive stops down the stretch to secure the win.

The Lady Statesmen finished with a 48-36 rebounding edge and held West Alabama to 30 percent shooting. Delta State also owned advantages in points in the paint (32–24) and fast-break points (11–3).

Delta State returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 20 against the other undefeated team in the league, Alabama Huntsville. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and fans are encouraged to take a selfie with Santa at the game.