Union beats Delta State 73-58 to reach GSC women’s basketball final

JACKSON, Tenn. — Delta State University’s women’s basketball season ended Thursday night with a 73-58 loss to Union in the Gulf South Conference Tournament semifinals at Fred DeLay Gymnasium.

The Lady Statesmen finished the season with an 18-11 record after reaching the conference semifinals for the first time since the 2021-22 season. They started strong, shooting 63.6% in the first quarter and taking a 19-15 lead after 10 minutes. Kennedee Shelton led the early charge inside, helping Delta State build momentum.

Union responded in the second quarter, holding Delta State to just seven points and taking a 29-26 lead into halftime. The teams exchanged leads throughout the third quarter. Delta State shot 77.8% in that period and briefly took the lead again after Shelton scored on a fast break to make it 44-43 with 2:40 remaining.

However, Union regained the lead late in the third and entered the final quarter ahead, 48-46. The Bulldogs pulled away in the fourth, outscoring Delta State 25-12 to secure the victory. Union finished the game shooting 52.1% overall, while Delta State shot 44.7% from the field and 50% from three-point range.

Olivia Lee led Union with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Courtney Zensen added 13 points, and Morgan Escobedo scored 11. For Delta State, Shelton led with 14 points and eight rebounds. Alyse Holliman added 11 points and five rebounds, while Adyson Roberts and Jariyah Williamson each scored 10. Williamson also dished out four assists.

The Lady Statesmen’s appearance in the semifinals marked their first advancement to that round since the 2021-22 season.

Source: Original Article