CLEVELAND, Miss. – The Delta State University women's basketball team outlasted Trevecca Nazarene in an overtime thriller, defeating the Trojans 79-72 in a Gulf South Conference contest Thursday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum.

After four quarters of tightly contested action, regulation ended in a 67-67 tie. The Lady Statesmen took control in the extra period, outscoring Trevecca Nazarene 12-5 to secure the home victory. Delta State led for more than 32 minutes of game time and used balanced scoring, strong bench production and timely defense to pull away late.

Senior forward Dakiya Toney led all scorers with a career-high 19 points while also pulling down 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Toney was aggressive throughout the night, shooting 7-of-10 from the field and adding five offensive rebounds to help Delta State generate second-chance opportunities.

Delta State placed six players in double figures, highlighted by Olivia Allen's 11 points, Bramyia Johnson's 10 points, and Madi Kate Vuncannon, who knocked down three three-pointers on her way to nine points. Bailey Featherstone and Daniela Gintere each added seven points off the bench, helping the Lady Statesmen win the bench scoring battle 30–7.

The Lady Statesmen built a nine-point halftime lead after forcing Trevecca Nazarene into key turnovers in the second quarter, converting those miscues into 13 points. Delta State maintained its advantage through the third quarter, extending the lead to as many as 10 before the Trojans rallied late in the fourth to force overtime.

Delta State finished the night forcing 16 turnovers and scoring 25 points off those opportunities, while also holding Trevecca Nazarene to just one field goal in overtime.

The Lady Statesmen will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 10 against Lee University. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Sillers Coliseum. It's Community Day, and all Cleveland civic club members (Rotary Club, Exchange Club, etc.) receive free admission. Bolivar Medical Center is sponsoring tickets for immediate family attending with those involved in civic clubs.