Delta State outlasts Lady Golden Bears in opener
Box Score Miles' women's basketball team failed to record a single basket in the first quarter of its season opener against Delta State Sunday afternoon. The Lady Golden Bears probably wished they could have found a way to get just one of them by the time the game ended.
Brittney Smith could not get a shot off in the final two seconds in what turned into a thriller at Knox-Winsham Gymnasium as the Lady Statesmen (1-0) escaped with a 55-53 win. Miles (0-1) had three possessions inside of the final minute to tie the game but only got one shot attempt, which was blocked.
Tierra Williams scored a game-high 12 points and Smith added 10 for the Lady Golden Bears while Chelsey Rhodes scored a game-high 17 points to pace Delta State.
Despite the final score, the end of the game was far better than the beginning. Miles took only six shots in the first quarter - missing them all - and turned the ball over 10 times in the opening stanza. Two Williams free throws nearly nine minutes into the quarter were the only points for the Golden Bears as they trailed 18-2.
The change of quarters started a change of fortunes for Miles. The Lady Golden Bears scored the first 10 points of the second period to get right back into the game.
Amoni Walker drained a 3-pointer and made 1-of-2 free throws to punctuate the run but Delta State was not yet in the clear. Miles' vaunted pressure defense forced the Lady Statesmen into multiple turnovers and when Williams scored with 2:36 left before the half, the game was knotted at 20. DSU would go into the locker room ahead 26-24 but it was not a lead the Lady Statesmen would keep the entire game.
DSU would open a seven-point advantage in the thrid quarter but a 3-pointer by
Torborsha Holley and a layup by Smith gave Miles its first lead, 37-36, with just more than four minutes left in the quarter but the Lady Statesmen would retake the lead and go into the fourth quarter leading 43-39 before the exciting finish.
Shaquinta Sales scored nine points and grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds for Miles, which plays at Selma University Monday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
