Box Score MEMPHIS--The Christian Brothers University Lady Bucs whittled a 16-point second-half deficit to three points in the final two minutes against Delta State, but they could not come any closer in a 54-45 loss Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Statesmen (12-6, 7-3 GSC) scored the game's first seven points and never trailed, outscoring the Lady Bucs 14-6 over the first six minutes of the second half to open a 36-20 lead on a Rhandi Ball jumper with 14:23 remaining.  The Lady Bucs (5-13, 2-8) answered with a 23-10 run, sparked by a Taylor Pugh (Memphis, Tenn./Briarcrest Christian HS) layup and a Jessica Green (Memphis, Tenn./Lausanne HS) three-pointer.  When another Green triple capped the run, the Lady Bucs trailed just 46-43 with 2:08 remaining.

DSU's Brooke Rhodes answered with a three-pointer on the other end, and the Lady Bucs committed turnovers on their next three possessions, allowing DSU to stretch the margin out at the free throw line.

Breanna Ridgell (Memphis, Tenn./White Station HS) scored a game-high 18 points for the Lady Bucs, adding eight rebounds and two of the Lady Bucs' nine blocks.  Samantha Reeves (Somerville, Tenn./Fayette Academy) takced on nine points and six rebounds.

Ball led DSU with 16 points and game-highs of 12 rebounds and five steals.  Rhodes scored 12, and Seneca Walton added 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The Lady Bucs shot 42.2 percent (19-of-45) for the game to DSU's 39.6 percent (21-of-53), but they were undone by 25 turnovers to DSU's 17.  The Lady Bucs outrebounded DSU 34-32, but the Lady Statesmen held an 11-8 edge in offensive rebounds.

The Lady Bucs head back on the road next weekend, visiting North Alabama Thursday night at 6 p.m. and Union Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.  Their next home game is Thursday, Feb. 14, at 5:05 p.m. against Alabama-Huntsville.