LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The Delta State University women's basketball team secured a hard-fought 74–71 Gulf South Conference road victory over West Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Pruitt Hall, using a dominant opening quarter and balanced scoring effort to improve to 12–9 overall and 10–6 in league play.
 
The Lady Statesmen came out firing, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and 80 percent from three-point range in the first quarter to build a commanding 26–12 lead after the opening 10 minutes.
 
Delta State pushed its advantage to as many as 14 points in the early stages and controlled the pace for much of the first half despite a second-quarter surge from the Tigers that trimmed the margin to 34–29 at the break.
 
West Alabama battled back in the third quarter and briefly grabbed the lead, but Delta State responded with timely baskets and defensive stops to carry a 55–49 advantage into the final period.
 
The Tigers continued to apply pressure in the fourth, yet the Lady Statesmen held firm down the stretch to secure the three-point conference win.
 
Jariyah Williamson led Delta State with 22 points, while Dakiya Toney added 16 and JNyria Kelly chipped in six points and key rebounds.
 
Olivia Allen scored eight, Alyse Holliman finished with seven, and Madi Kate Vuncannon contributed seven more as Delta State's depth produced 22 bench points in the victory.
 
Delta State shot 46.4 percent from the field and converted 17-of-22 free throws, while also forcing turnovers that led to transition opportunities and 12 fast-break points.
 
The Lady Statesmen led for more than 37 minutes of game time, highlighting their control throughout the contest.
 
Delta State returns to action next week as they hit the road to continue Gulf South Conference play against the Lady Bulldogs from Union University Tuesday evening in Jackson.