CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Devilettes of Mississippi Valley State University claimed their first win of the 2018-19 basketball season Monday with a thrilling 95-89 win at Austin Peay.
 
LaKendra Bassett scored a team-high 23 points to lead five Devilettes scoring in double-figures. She also recorded six assists and six steals in the game.
 
Kristy Parker scored 21 points for the Devilettes (1-2), while Angela Darcus scored 12 points for Valley. Their teammate Desiray Mosley chipped in 10 points.
 
For the third consecutive game, Makayla Bonner reached double-figures in points off the Valley bench. She scored 12 points against the Governors on 6-of-6 shooting.
 
Arielle Gonzalez-Varner tallied game-highs of 32 points and 23 rebounds for the Governors (2-3) in a losing effort.
 
The Devilettes dominated almost every aspect of the game except for offensive rebounds, in which the Governors held a 32-3 advantage. However, Devilettes didn't need – or have many opportunities – for offensive rebounds, as they shot a sizzling 69.4 percent (34 of 49) from the floor.
 
After shooting 62 percent (18 of 29) from the floor in the first half, the Devilettes almost literally couldn't miss after halftime. Valley players shot an astounding 80 percent from the field in the second half, going 8-of-10 from the floor in both the third and fourth quarters.
 
The high-scoring second half saw Valley build its largest lead of the game at 20 points early in the fourth quarter. The visitors scored 14 unanswered points during between the 1:36 mark of the third period and the 7:23 mark of the fourth.
 
Valley ended the third quarter with 3-pointers by Bassett and Sydnie Ward to go ahead 67-55. As the fourth quarter started, the Devilettes dominated at both ends of the floor, turning four consecutive Austin Peay turnovers into eight points. Darcus' layup off a steal by Bassett stretched Valley's lead to 75-55 with 7:56 left to play in the game.
 
The big lead proved to be just enough of a cushion as the Governors responded by outscoring their guests 34-20 over the remainder of the final quarter. Austin Peay would twice make it a one-possession game in the final minute, but was forced to foul, and each time the Devilettes responded with two made free throws.
 
The Devilettes recorded 14 steals among the 26 turnovers committed by Austin Peay. Those steals turned into points in transition, as Valley held a 22-5 advantage in fast-break points.
 
Ronni Williams came off the Valley bench to score eight points, while Ward chipped in seven points.
 
The Devilettes continue their Tennessee trip Wednesday when they visit Middle Tennessee State. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Murfreesboro.