CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Lady Statesmen women's basketball team scored a season-high 81 points on Thursday night at Sillers Coliseum, defeating Auburn University Montgomery 81-62 behind Alyse Holliman's career-high 15 points.

Delta State (10-8 overall, 8-5 GSC) used a dominant second quarter and strong interior presence to pull away for an 81-62 conference win over AUM (2-19 overall, 2-13 GSC).

The game opened as a tight defensive battle, with the teams tied 14-14 at the end of the first quarter. AUM built an early seven-point edge midway through the period, but the Lady Statesmen answered with steady paint production and second-chance points to keep things even after one.

Delta State took control in the second quarter, outscoring AUM 25-12 behind efficient shooting and transition scoring. The Lady Statesmen shot 58% from the field in the period and used a 15-0 run to create separation. Multiple turnovers turned into fast-break opportunities as DSU carried a 39-26 lead into halftime.

AUM pushed back in the third quarter, trimming the margin to single digits at one point. The visitors won the quarter 22-18 and cut the deficit to 57-48 heading into the final frame. Delta State weathered the surge by attacking the glass and converting around the rim to keep the lead intact.

In the fourth quarter, DSU put the game away with balanced scoring and continued inside efficiency, outscoring AUM 24-14 over the final 10 minutes. The Lady Statesmen built their largest lead of the night at 22 late in the period and finished off the 19-point victory.

Delta State shot 44.4% (32-of-72) from the field and held a 48-43 rebounding advantage. DSU also controlled the paint with a 46-26 scoring edge inside, added 19 second-chance points, and received a major lift from the bench with 43 bench points.

Dakiya Toney led Delta State with 18 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, shooting 9-of-12 from the floor, for her fourth double-double of the season. Alyse Holliman added a career-high 15 points, while Bramyia Johnson chipped in 12 points with multiple assists. Jariyah Williamson (7), Kennedee Shelton (6), Olivia Allen (6), and Madi Kate Vuncannon (6) added key contributions to the scoring balance.

Delta State led for nearly 29 minutes of game time and forced 12 turnovers while recording seven blocked shots and five steals in the win. DSU improves to 10-8 on the season and 8-5 in Gulf South Conference play.

The Lady Statesmen will remain home for a contest against Montevallo on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and Delta State will participate in We Back Pat to honor Pat Summitt.