Written by: Neil Frawley

For the first time since Jan. 6, the VSU women’s basketball team has the pleasure of sleeping in their own beds before taking on the No. 12 Delta State tonight at 6 p.m.

The Lady Statesmen (13-1) come into this game riding a 12-game winning streak. Playing in the friendly confines of the P.E. Complex will certainly be appreciated as VSU tries to not only pull off the upset, but also try to extend their perfect home record (7-0).

“Delta State is a very good basketball team,” Head Coach Kiley Hill said. “Coming here we get to come back and play at home. We hope we have that added edge from that standpoint, but I think the mentality is just to do the little things and take ownership of what we need to do−and play to a standard. That’s what this program is about and what these kids are trying to buy into.”

Defense will play a major role in this one, as it is a tremendous strength for both teams.

Entering this game, VSU’s defense has held opponents to just 56 points per game, while yielding a 35 percent shooting from the field. But at home, they’re even better, giving up only 50 points per game, while only allowing 29 percent shooting from the field.

Delta State is no stranger to defense either.

The Lady Statesmen are only surrendering 53 points per game, and their superstar center/power forward, Seneca Walton, leads the squad with 10 blocked shots this season.

“[Walton] is a dominant player,” Hill said. “She’s definitely an All-American candidate. She’s put up the numbers and she’s also displayed that, with her team’s record, she’s put them on her shoulders.”

Not only is the 6’1” junior a talented shot blocker, but she also leads the team in points with 14.6 points per game, as well as in rebounding (9.6 per game).

VSU needs to treat every possession with care, limiting turnovers and unforced errors, or it will take them out of what will already be a tough contest.

Following the game against DSU, VSU squares off against Christian Brothers on Saturday at 6 p.m. CBU currently sits tied with VSU at 4-4 in the GSC.

This article is written by Neil Frawley.