Southern Miss 84, Mississippi Valley State 69

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Despite a 30-point effort from guard Kristy Parker, Mississippi Valley State (0-2) faded down the stretch during a 84-69 loss at Southern Miss Thursday night in Reed Green Coliseum.

Desiray Mosley added 16 points for the Devilettes. Parker was an efficient 9-of-17 from the floor. Three Lady Eagle players scored in double figures, with Jayla King leading Southern Miss with 19 points, 17 rebounds and four assists. Shonte Hailes scored 18 points, and Alarie Mayze also recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 boards and five helpers.

Down 38-37 at the break, the Devilettes' valiant outing sputtered due to a bout of cold shooting in the third. Southern Miss opened the frame on a 9-0 run that pushed its lead to double-digits. A three-ball from Mosley brought Mississippi Valley within one possession (51-48), but the Lady Eagles closed the half on a 13-6 scoring advantage.

Southern Miss pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Mississippi Valley 16-7 over the first 6:43 of the final period. The Devilettes were unable to close the gap.