Devilettes Use Fourth-Quarter Surge to Beat Bethune-Cookman 64-55

ITTA BENA, Miss. — The Mississippi Valley State University women’s basketball team overcame nine lead changes to beat Bethune-Cookman 64-55 on Saturday at the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex. The Devilettes outscored the Wildcats 23-12 in the final quarter to secure their first victory over Bethune-Cookman this season, improving their SWAC record to 3-3.

Mississippi Valley State (4-13, 3-3 SWAC) had previously lost all four matchups against Bethune-Cookman (3-15, 1-4 SWAC). The Wildcats last won on Jan. 18, 2025, with a 67-49 victory. The series between the teams dates back to 1976, with Bethune-Cookman leading 4-1 overall.

Top performers for the Devilettes included Ariel Jefferson, who scored a team-high 17 points and made half of her 10 shots, including three three-pointers. She also contributed eight rebounds. Nairobi Lewis added 12 rebounds and five blocks, while Sydnei Marshall and Janiya Jones each scored 10 points and had three steals. Marshall also dished out four assists and blocked two shots. Jaeda Murphy contributed 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists, playing a key role down the stretch.

The team now prepares for a matchup Thursday at 6 p.m. against preseason favorite Southern in Baton Rouge. Fans can follow the program on social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram.

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