Box Score CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Delta State University women's basketball team stayed hot, winning seven of its last eight games, after pulling away late to defeat University of West Florida, 78-65, in conference action at Sillers Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.

Delta State led for more than 32 minutes in a game that featured 10 lead changes, using a strong second quarter and a decisive fourth to create separation. The Lady Statesmen outscored the Argonauts 25-19 in the second period to take a 44-37 advantage into halftime, then closed the game on a 20-8 run over the final 10 minutes.

After a back-and-forth third quarter saw UWF briefly grab the lead, DSU answered entering the final frame. Williamson scored on consecutive possessions midway through the fourth, stretching the margin to five, and the Lady Statesmen converted from the free-throw line down the stretch to put the game away. Delta State's largest lead grew to 13 in the closing minute.

DSU finished the afternoon 25-of-60 from the field and was efficient at the foul line, knocking down 23-of-27 free throws (85%). The Lady Statesmen also turned defense into offense, winning the points-off-turnovers battle 23–15 and getting 31 points from the bench.

Kennedee Shelton led all scorers with a career-high 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting and an 8-of-9 performance at the stripe. Shelton added four rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes. Jariyah Williamson poured in 19 points and pulled down nine rebounds, while Olivia Allen chipped in eight points, including a pair of three-pointers. Dakiya Toney provided an early spark and finished with eight points and three boards.

The Lady Statesmen will hit the road for a pivotal two-game GSC road trip. Their first stop will be Cleveland, Tenn., against Lee University on Thursday, Feb. 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.