LIVINGSTON, Ala. — The University of West Alabama Women's Basketball team fell to Delta State University, 74-71, at Pruitt Hall after a tightly contested match that saw three ties and multiple lead changes. 

UWA (10-10, 8-9 GSC) outscored the DSU (12-9, 10-6 GSC) 40-38 in points in the paint but a slow start from the Tigers would ultimately come back to hurt them as their comeback effort fell a little short. 

Delta State took an early advantage with Jariyah Williamson's three-pointer at 9:43, setting the tone for a dominant first quarter. Olivia Allen contributed significantly with a three-pointer and a layup, helping extend the Statesmen's lead to 12-4 by 6:49. The Tigers struggled with turnovers, allowing the Statesmen to capitalize, including a fastbreak layup by Jnyria Kelly at 6:33. Despite Haley Nichols's efforts with a three-pointer at 5:45 and a tip-in, the Statesmen maintained control, closing the quarter with a 26-12 lead.

Nichols led the charge for UWA in the second quarter, scoring six points, including a jumper at 6:34 and a layup at 5:25. Nailah Mayes contributed with a layup and a free throw, helping the Tigers close the gap against the Statesmen. Summer Hicks added a tip-in at 2:36 to further boost West Alabama's offense. Despite a brief surge from the Statesmen's Dakiya Toney, who scored a layup at 4:18, UWA outscored the visitors 17-8 in the quarter. 

In the third quarter, the Statesmen maintained a slight edge over the Tigers, outscoring them 21-20. The quarter started with DSU's Toney scoring a layup for the Statesmen at 9:42, expanding their lead to 36-29. Callie Cowan responded with a jumper for West Ala. at 9:18, narrowing the gap. Nailah Mayes tied the game at 36 with a layup at 7:47, assisted by Shay Hunter. However, the Statesmen regained momentum with Madi Kate Vuncannon's three-pointer at 5:31, pushing the score to 42-42. Jariyah Williamson's free throws at 4:48 and Olivia Allen's layup at 1:51 helped Delta State hold onto their lead. The quarter concluded with Adyson Roberts hitting a jumper for the Statesmen as time expired, ending the period at 55-49 in favor of DSU.

Delta State secured a narrow victory over West Alabama with a final score of 74-71. UWA made a late effort, featuring a three from Bellah Machen with 37 seconds left that cut the deficit to two. Despite Nailah Mayes' late tip-in bringing the Tigers within a point, the Statesmen maintained their edge with a free throw from Williamson and another from Madi Kate Vuncannon to close out the game.

Machen led West Alabama with 16 points, converting 6 of 15 field goal attempts, including two from beyond the arc. Nichols posted a double-double, scoring 19 points and collecting 12 rebounds, while also blocking one shot. Shay Hunter contributed significantly by recording seven assists, adding eight points, and securing two steals. Nailah Mayes added 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds, with three on the offensive end.

UWA will be back in action on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Union on the road.