CLEVELAND, Miss.- The Delta State University women's basketball team (12-11, 8-9 GSC)  defeated the Lady Tigers of West Alabama 74-58 at Sillers Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Statesmen started the first quarter of play shooting 5-for-7 from the field, putting them out front leading the Lady Tigers 12-4 early on. The Green-and-White forced four turnovers early in the first quarter and made every shot from behind the three-point line. Although the Lady Tigers dominated the paint with 10 points, the Lady Statesmen owned the boards, pulling down 10 rebounds in the first quarter of play.

Trailing nearly the entire first half, the Lady Tigers chipped away at an eight-point deficit early in the second quarter. UWA scored a layup at the 4:50 mark, tying the game for the first time at 21-21. Junior Dakiya Toney returned to the court after missing a game, leading the Green-and-White in the second quarter of play with six points. The Lady Statesmen went into the half with a steal and layup by Senior Wakiryah Daniels, extending their lead to 33-24.

The Green-and-White were off to a slow start in the second half of play until the Lady Statesmen were able to get a three-point basket at the 8:00 mark. Although the Lady Tigers were able to close the gap, Olivia Allen found her groove, scoring three consecutive baskets, extending the Lady Statesmen lead to 49-31. Delta State outscored the Lady TIgers 21-9, ending the third quarter of play leading 54-33

To start the final quarter of play, the Lady Statesmen shot 52% from the field and forced six turnovers early on. DSU was able to dominate the paint in the 4th quarter, scoring 18 points inside. Although the Lady Tigers trailed in scoring 15-16 in the 4th quarter of play, the Green-and-White were able to put away the Lady Tigers of West Alabama.

The Lady Statesmen had 4 players score in double figures. Daniels led with 16 points. Right behind her was senior MaKenzie Hill with 13. Grace Watson and Allen both added 12 points each. 

The Lady Statesmen will travel to Valdosta, Ga., to take on the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State University on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m.