JACKSON – (Women's Basketball) After defeating the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern, the Devilettes have an unquenchable thirst for more. It was a fight for the Devilettes to gain and maintain the lead through the first, yet they found a way to get the job done. The score was 12-9, in favor of the Devilettes when time expired on the opening period.  

The second quarter was defensively strong, yet the tempo of the contest seems to be off. Both teams struggled to gain their footing offensively. The Devilettes were able to maintain the lead despite allowing the Lady Tigers to climb back into the contest. Entering the locker room for the break, MVSU was up 25-23.

With two quarters down, Mississippi Valley was staring down the final 20-minute stretch. Head Coach Jessica Kern sketched out a brilliant defensive strategy and prodded the offense into action. Ball control wasn't an issue for the Devilettes in the third, as every player on the court was involved in passing the ball; the issue was finishing the plays. At the first timeout, Jackson State held a five-point lead.

Mississippi Valley's pressuring of the ball held the Lady Tigers within striking distance in the third. Jackson State wasn't able to get their beyond the arc game to match their enthusiasm, the shots wouldn't fall. It was with 1:20 remaining in the quarter that a free throw by Kenya Hailey broke a tied ball game.

The final 10-minutes were evenly matched as both teams finished with the same amount of points. Ashley Beals was on fire for the Devilettes, as she finished with another double-double of 18-points, 18-rebounds. Kristy Parker paced the team with 22-points, while Hailey added 11.

The Devilettes head to Grambling, Louisiana, to face the Lady Tigers of Grambling State University on Monday, January 30. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.