CLINTON, Miss. --- The Mississippi College women's basketball team returns to Gulf South Conference action as it travels to conference and in-state rival 25th-ranked Delta State University on Saturday, Feb. 16. Tip in Cleveland, Miss., at Walter Sillers Coliseum is scheduled for 2 p.m.
 
The Series
Saturday marks the 59th meeting between Mississippi College and Delta State. The Lady Statesmen hold a 50-8 record in the series after the two squads split last season's contests – both winning on their home floors. The Lady Choctaws claimed a 74-69 win in the renewal of the series on Jan. 17 and were clipped 60-56 in Cleveland. MC seeks its fifth win at DSU and first since Jan. 19, 1994.
 
What Duke Says About Delta State
"This is a big rivalry game against Delta State. They have a rich tradition in women's basketball and in this conference. We are one of the few teams in this conference that probably has success against them. We beat them here last year and had them beat at their place, but had some turnovers late that cost us the ball game. What happened last year has nothing to do with this year. They are the No. 1 team in defense allowing around 49 points per game. We have to make them make mistakes and capitalize on those mistakes. We've got our hands full tomorrow. It will be a very competitive environment and we look forward to competing against Delta State. "
 
Mississippi College Leaders
Kristen Sampson leads a trio of Lady Choctaws in double figure scoring. The Jackson, Miss., native is averaging 15.3 points per game this season and has posted double digits in six straight contests and 12 this season. Chloe Roberts sits second on the team in scoring with 14.7 points per game. The Reagan, Tenn., sophomore has scored in double figures in 12 of the Navy and Gold's games this season – tying Sampson for tops on the team. Carla Clemmons, who sits second in rebounds with 6.8 per game, is third in scoring. The Rome, Ga., native is averaging 12.9 points per game and leads the team with two double-doubles this season. Toni Woods leads the team on the glass. The Lafayette, La., product is averaging 7.8 boards per outing after notching her third double figure effort with 11 rebounds at Lee.
 
Breaking Down Delta State
Ranked No. 25 in the latest Women's Basketball Coaches Association Top 25 poll, the Lady Statesmen are second in the GSC with an 8-2 record in the league and 11-2 overall. The Green and White are led offensively by the leading scorer in the conference, Chelsey Rhodes, who is averaging 20.6 points. Becca Ruckes joins Rhodes in double figures with 11.4 points per game and leads the team in rebounds with 6.0. DSU had its three-game win streak snapped Monday falling 63-60 at Shorter University.
  
Next Up
Following the Saturday affair, Mississippi College begins the second half of the conference slate on Thursday, Jan. 21 as it hosts the University of West Georgia. MC was edged, 58-57, at the buzzer on the Wolves' home floor on Dec. 6.