Delta State University’s women’s basketball team secured a 61-44 victory over Valdosta State on Monday night in the Gulf South Conference quarterfinals at Walter Sillers Coliseum.
The Lady Statesmen, now 18-10 overall, will face Union University in the semifinals after building a significant second-half lead. Valdosta State, which finished 16-13, was limited to 24 points after halftime and struggled to generate offensive opportunities.
After a close first half that saw four lead changes, Delta State took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Blazers 20-13. The team’s interior play and defensive pressure helped them build a 43-33 advantage entering the final period. Delta State continued to extend its lead, with a three-pointer from Madi Kate Vuncannon pushing the margin to as many as 21 points with 4:55 remaining.
The Lady Statesmen finished the game strong at the free-throw line, making all eight attempts in the fourth quarter. Four players scored in double figures, led by Kennedee Shelton with 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Dakiya Toney contributed 12 points and six rebounds, while Jariyah Williamson posted a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Olivia Allen added six points, all from free throws, going perfect at 6-for-6.
Delta State shot 36 percent from the field and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line. The team also matched Valdosta State on the boards with 35 rebounds and held a 28-24 advantage in points in the paint. The bench contributed 18 points to the win. Valdosta State was led by Erin Whalen with 16 points and Jada Williams with 12. The Blazers shot 32 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range.
Defensively, Delta State limited Valdosta State to just 24 points after halftime and minimized second-chance opportunities. The Lady Statesmen will travel to face Union University in the semifinals Thursday night.
