ITTA BENA, Miss.  – The Mississippi Valley State University Devilettes provided the home crowd with a heart pounding 62-60 victory, defeating the Lady Lions of the University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff.
 
MVSU dominated the opening quarter, despite the score being tied twice. Pine Bluff was able to knot the score during those two opportunities, however they were unable to surge past the Devilettes during the first. Ashley Beals and Christina Reed paced the Devilettes with seven and five points respectively.
 
The Lady Lions escaped to the locker rooms with a one-point, 30-29, advantage at the midway point. Undeterred, Mississippi Valley remained cool and took control of the third period. Up by as many as seven, with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Devilettes continued to mount their attack.
 
The fourth quarter was a vicious contest of back and forth, MVSU proved to be the more agile team, taking the game in the final ticks. The score was tied twice and the lead changed four times.
 
The Devilettes' Beals completed the game with a double double, 20-points, 14 rebounds, two blocks and one assist. Reed fell one rebound shy of a double double, with 10-points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Zemoria Jernigan finished with 14- points, four rebounds and one assist.
 
Head Coach Elvis Robinson stated, "Today, the team worked as a cohesive unit, there are still areas we need to improve but I am happy with their performance. Now we have to prepare for Alabama State and Alabama A & M. this weekend."
 
MVSU travels to Montgomery, Alabama, to take on Alabama State University on January 9 and Alabama A & M on January 11 in Huntsville.