Delta State University

CLEVELAND- The Delta State University Lady Statesmen (28-6) secured their spot in the 2009 NCAA South Regional Championship with an 80-56 win over Arkansas-Monticello (21-9) in the second game of the doubleheader Saturday night at Walter Sillers Coliseum. 

With the victory, the Lady Statesmen will face off with GSC West Division foe Ouachita Baptist (23-8) in the championship game Monday at 7 p.m. It was for the fourth consecutive loss for UAM against Delta State this season. 

The Lady Statesmen were on fire in the second half, posting 53 points while shooting 44 percent from the floor. 

The Cotton Blossoms got into some early foul trouble, and their game plan seemed to salt away following as the half progressed. 

Delta State dominated inside the paint, outscoring their opponents 34-20. Both teams forced 13 turnovers, but DSU was able to make the most of it, racking up 17 points. 

Delta State had five players post double-digits led by Bug Cooper’s 15 points. Courtney Wilson finished with 14 on the night, including 10-of-10 from the line. 

Arkansas-Monticello was led by Andrea Dubose and Monica Perkins-Miller, who finished with 11 points apiece. 

The first half turned out to be a battle down to the final seconds, as both teams looked hungry to move on to the championship game. 

The Lady Statesmen had the edge on the floor, shooting 47 percent, despite struggling from distance (2-of-6). 

Arkansas-Monticello, looking to end their three-game skid with Delta State this season, struggled early in the half, but cut the deficit to two points before the halftime break. The Cotton Blossoms were 10-of-29 in the first half and trailed at the break 27-25.  

LaMaesha McAdory led all scorers at the break with 11 points. 

Delta State will be looking to extend their 35-game home winning streak Monday, as they put their 
regional title on the line against Ouachita Baptist in the championship. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.