Delta State opened its 2026-27 women’s basketball season with a 79-66 loss to McKendree on Monday at the Harry M. Statham Sports Center in Lebanon, Illinois. Jariyah Williamson scored a career-high 27 points, and Adyson Roberts added a career-best 20 for the Lady Statesmen.
Delta State led 28-27 at halftime after the teams finished the first quarter tied at 14. McKendree shifted the game in the third, outscoring the Lady Statesmen 26-15 to take a 53-43 lead into the final period. Both teams scored more in the fourth, with McKendree adding 26 points to Delta State’s 23 to secure the win.
Williamson shot 8 of 17 from the field, including 3 of 7 from 3-point range, and made eight free throws. She also had four rebounds. Roberts went 7 of 20 from the field and 2 of 7 from 3-point range, with five rebounds.
DNaylah Williams scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds in her Delta State debut. JNyria Kelly also had seven rebounds as the Lady Statesmen finished with 35 as a team. Delta State shot 39% from the field (23 of 59), 6 of 22 from 3-point range and 14 of 19 at the free-throw line.
McKendree’s Baylie Parks led the Bearcats with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Emma Slings had 15 points and eight assists, and Morgan Feil scored 13.
Delta State’s next scheduled game is Friday against the Lady Bisons at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
