ITTA BENA – (Women's Basketball) The Devilettes of Mississippi Valley pushed the 15^th-ranked Colorado University Buffs to the wall and held them there. MVSU came into the contest on fire, however foul trouble slowed down the offensive scheme of the Devilettes. CU improved to 10-0 on the season with a 76-64 victory.

Mississippi Valley's play impressed Colorado's Head Coach JR Payne. Payne stated, "They were great, they were fantastic. They're athletic, they're aggressive. They're undersized, but they don't let that hinder them. They were right at us and I love that because it helps prepare us for future athletic teams. And it also is a great reminder to our team that you need to be ready to lace it up and ready to go from the opening tip. No matter where you're playing, who you're playing, whatever adversity, we've got to be ready."

Alexis Robinson scored a three-pointer at 9:38 to begin scoring for CU. Kenya Hailey was sent to the free-throw line on a foul by Makenzie Ellis, where she landed both. Ellis extended the lead for the Buffs to 5-2, however Christina Reed was fouled in three-point range, went to line and made all three to tie the score at five. Hailey scored on a jumper to take the Devilettes up 7-5. Lauren Elliot went to the line, scoring one of two for a MVSU 8-5 advantage. A layup by Ashley Beals extended the Devilette lead to 10-5 with 6:55 remaining on the clock. At the conclusion of the period, Mississippi Valley held a 21-15 lead.

In the second, Beals scored the opening point in the paint with an assist being credited to Reed. Colorado went on a run to bring the score to 23-21 with 6:11 remaining in the half. With 4:41 remaining, Monica Burich scored a layup for the Buffs to tie the contest at 25. Elliot scored for Mississippi Valley to break the tie in favor of the Devilettes. When the buzzer sounded to end the half, MVSU trailed 32-30.

The third and fourth quarters wrapped with the exact same scores, 22-17 in favor of CU. Beals finished with a phenomenal performance for Mississippi Valley with 27-points, 10-rebounds and five steals. Reed, despite fouling out scored 22-points, five rebounds and one steal.

Head Coach Jessica Kern said, "To have a Top-25 team come to our campus is a great look for MVSU. Thank you to all the fans, faculty and staff that showed up to support our young ladies. I am so proud of the effort we displayed tonight. Christina Reed and Ashley Beals showed tremendous leadership combining for 49 points, 15 rebounds and 6 steals. As we prepare for SWAC play and our next home, we are encouraged by our progress. The future for MVSU Women's Basketball continues to look bright." 

The Devilettes will host Murray State University on Wednesday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m.