Delta Ladys defense protects the paint leaving Magician player nowhere to turn. photo by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney. 11-10-24
CLEVELAND, Miss. – Hot shooting, smothering defense the Delta State University Women’s Basketball team (2-0, 0-0 GSC) made easy work in their 75-42 win against LeMoyne-Owen College Saturday evening from Walter Sillers Coliseum.
Grace Watson would keep the Lady Statesmen on top in the second half, as she would get her first double-double of the season scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. The Lady Statesmen dominated the glass tonight as the had 48 rebounds, the most Delta State has had in a game since the 2021-22 season.
Delta Ladys hot shooting in the second quarter sealed the night for LOC. photo by Don Mooney
The Lady Statesmen would have five different players connect from beyond the arch including three-straight possessions with a three ball from Madi Kate Vuncannon. Vuncannon would score nine points on the night.
The Lady Statesmen would trail early on in the first quarter, but an 8-0 run on buckets from Rafalia Stegaki and Daniela Gintere would give the Lady Statesmen a 13-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. Stergaki had a team high five steals as the Lady Statesmen pressure would force 25 Lady Magician turnovers on the night.
Full court press made it difficult for Lady Magicians to cross half court. photo by Don Mooney
The Lady Statesmen would light up the scoreboard in the second quarter as Gintere, Brilynn Findley, Wakiryah Daniels and Olivia Allen all would see the ball go through the net from beyond the arch.
The Lady Statesmen out scored the Lady Magicians 28-11 in the second quarter, taking a 41-20 lead into the break.
Coming out of the break, the Lady Statesmen wouldn’t look back. The Lady Statesmen front court, led by Watson and Martyna Czescik would add on to the lead scoring eight of the Lady Statesmen 17 third quarter points. Watson would lead Delta State with a double-double scoring 11 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Lady Magician attacks the basket during second half of game. photo by Don Mooney
The Lady Statesmen would get seven players scoring eight or more points on the evening as they shot 37% from the field. The Lady Statesmen also dominated the glass as they out rebounded the Lady Magicians 48-26.
The Lady Statesmen will continue non-conference play as they hit the road Wednesday, Nov. 13 to Arkadelphia, Ark., to take on the Reddies from Henderson State University. Tipoff will be at 5:30 p.m. (CDT).
LOC return home to take on Talladega at Bruce-Johnson Hall at 5:30 pm.