Box Score NEW ORLEANS, La. - Delta State University Lady Statesmen outscored the University of New Orleans Lady Privateers 46-12 inside the paint en route to a 77-49 victory at Lakefront Arena, on Tuesday.

The Lady Statesmen (12-4) and Lady Privateers (0-20) both connected on three pointers in their opening possessions before the green and white reeled off an 11-4 run to go ahead 14-7 at the 14:46 mark.

DSU only looked to extend their lead to as many as 18 points with 12 seconds remaining; but Mechel'le Thomas for UNO connected on a long three-pointer as time expired to close the gap  to a 39-24 first-half score.

The defense for the Lady Statesmen proved to be stifling, forcing 12 Lady Privateer turnovers in the first-half. DSU scored 15 points off of the UNO turnovers.

Brooke Rhodes led the Lady Statesmen in the first half posting 12 points connecting 4-for-6 from the field, 2-for-3 from behind the arc. Aubree Ray joined Rhodes in the offensive effort putting in six points and grabbing five rebounds in the first-half of play.

The Lady Privateers found offensive production from Mirjam Sipos who put up an 11 point scoring effort for the first-half of play. Keri Thomas would chip in six first-half points for UNO.

The Lady Statesmen continued to apply defensive pressure to the Lady Privateers in the second-half, holding UNO to just 20-for-55 (36.4%) from the field and forcing 20 turnovers on the night.

Ray had a career night for DSU posting 16 points and nine rebounds. Rhandi Ball would follow up Ray's performance going 6-for-6 from the field with 13 points. Brooke Rhodes and Veronica Walker would show strong performances posting 12 points apiece for the game.

Thomas for UNO led her team with 18 points going 8-for15 from the field, followed up by teammate's Mechel'le Thomas and Sipos who posted 11 points each.

The Lady Statesmen will return to Gulf South Conference action on Saturday, Jan. 28, inside Canale Arena at 2 p.m. against Christian Brothers University.  The game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 1:45 p.m.  Matt Jones and J.T. Webb will have the call.