Baton Rouge, La. (January 21, 2019) – Freshman Sydnie Ward scored a season-high 18 points in a 74-67 loss for the Mississippi Valley State women's basketball team at Southern University Monday night. The Devilettes (3-13, 2-3 SWAC) outscored the Lady Jaguars (8-9, 5-1 SWAC) through three quarters, then Southern used their home court advantage to power them in the closing moments.

Ward came off the MVSU bench and caught fire in the third period scoring 14 of her season-high 18 points. In 29 minutes of action, Ward made 6-of-13 (46-percent) field goals and a perfect 4-for-4 on free-throws against the Lady Jaguars. Senior Desiray Mosley recorded her first double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) of the season and led MVSU in rebounds. Seniors Kristy Parker and LaKendra Bassett rounded out the Devilettes double-figure scoring adding 12 and 10 points, respectively. Overall, the Devilettes shot 20-for-47 from the field (32.6 percent), 7-for-21 from beyond the arc (33.3 percent), and 20-of-28 free throws (71.4 percent) while pulling in a total of 27 rebounds.

MVSU went into halftime with a 35-31 advantage but trailed Southern 49-45, with just over three minutes left in the third period. The Devilettes made four straight free-throws and then a three-pointer by Ward gave them a 52-51 lead with 2:08 to go in the quarter. Then in the fourth quarter, the momentum shifted towards the Lady Jaguars with the Devilettes putting up a solid fight.

The Devilettes struggled with only three field goals while the Lady Jags made five and converted on 9-of-12 free-throws in the final period. Bassett made both of her free-throws with 1:09 remaining to tie it up at 65. Southern went on to make 7-of-8 free-throws down the stretch while the MVSU defense fell apart. Ward cut the MVSU deficit to three (70-67) with 18-seconds left, but Southern did not give in and held on for a 74-67 win. The Lady Jaguars outscored the Devilettes 22-12 on points off turnovers and 54-32 on bench points.

Brittany Rose led Southern with 21 points and Alyric Scott and Taneara Moore both finished with 11 points each.

The Devilettes return home to the R.W. Harrison HPER Complex to host the Lady Panthers of Prairie View A&M (6-9, 3-1) on Jan. 26 at 3:00 p.m. CT and the Lady Tigers of Texas Southern (6-10, 2-3) on Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Continue to follow the action on Twitter via @MVSUDevilSports and/or online at www.mvsusports.com