LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women's basketball team shot 60% from the field in the first half and used the effort to take down the Lady Statesmen of Delta State University, 69-55, Sunday afternoon inside Pruitt Hall. 

The Tigers enter the holiday break at 3-8 and 2-5 in the Gulf South Conference, while the Lady Statesmen fall to 4-8 and 2-6. 

Making a few changes to the starting lineup, the starting five of Kamille Clark, Maryanne Logsdon, Kendall Lacoste, Jordan Parker and Aliyah Dade, the Tigers saw the cylinders firing midway through the opening quarter. After a quick shot by Makenzie Hill, the Tigers used a quick 9-0 run to swell the lead to double figures, 17-6. 

Late in the quarter, following a Sydney Schwallie offensive rebound, Lacoste dropped a triple on the second chance to push the lead to 12, 22-10, after one quarter.

In the second period, West Alabama went on an 11-0 run, keeping DSU scoreless for nearly five minutes, as the Tigers took a 42-18 lead into the locker room. 

UWA saw the fire catching the nets in the first 20 minutes, draining 18-of-30 from the field and 6-of-12 from downtown. 

"When we get in a rut, we have to do something as a coach to find the spark. We shot the ball well in the first half and we executed our plays well," said head coach Rusty Cram.

For Delta State, they made changes quickly and made what was a 26-point deficit to 12 thanks to forcing eight turnovers after UWA committed four in the first half. 

In the fourth, it took a little time to get the offense going, but a 3-pointer by Jordan Parker made it a 57-41 lead with under eight minutes remaining. 

The Lady Statesmen cut the deficit to single digits with under four minutes remaining in regulation with a Madi Kate Vuncannon jumper, but the home standing Tigers kept their composure throughout to seal the victory.  

"They threw us a different look in the second half with their pressure, but we were able to keep our composure throughout," said Cram.

Earning her first start of the season, transfer Jordan Parker converted 7-of-9 from the field for 18 points and added seven rebounds and two blocks. 

In her first career start, freshman Kendall Lacoste also dropped 18 on five 3-pointers and added three dimes. 

Maryanne Logsdon contributed 10 points, six boards and three dimes. Kamille Clark added nine rebounds, and Sydney Schwallie dished out five assists. 

The Tigers will now head into the holiday break and will begin a three-game road swing after the new year. The trip begins with the University of West Georgia on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. CT.