CLEVELAND, Miss. – Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State women's basketball were unable to overcome Delta State's top ranked defense, as the Lady Blazers fell 51-38 to the Lady Statesmen on Saturday afternoon at Walter Sillers Coliseum in Cleveland, Miss.
 
The loss resulted in a split on the road trip for Valdosta State and dropped the Lady Blazers to 11-11 overall and 7-10 in conference play, while the Lady Statesmen boosted their overall record to 16-4 and improved to 13-4 in conference play.
 
Turnovers plagued the Lady Blazers throughout the game, as 19 VSU turnovers led to 20 points for DSU. In addition, Valdosta State had a difficult time connecting from long range, shooting just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc.
 
Jazmyn McIntosh and Aaliyah Cheatham were charged with silencing Chelsea Rhodes, the GSC's top scorer, and the duo did an admirable job by holding the senior to just seven points over the first three quarters. VSU's 16-point fourth quarter was nullified, however, by Rhodes nine fourth quarter points.
 
Madi Mitchell and Maggie Davis each reached double-digit figures in the scoring column on the night, and Davis just missed a double-double with nine rebounds.
 
Along with Rhodes' 16 points, Aspriona Gilbert chipped in with a 6-of-11 performance that led to 14 points for the 6-2 center.
 
Valdosta State returns to action on Thursday night to host the No. 11 Lady Bulldogs at 6:00 p.m. at The Complex in Valdosta.