Box Score
Fourth-ranked Delta State rallied from a seven-point deficit in the final four minutes to down the Moccasins 72-67 in their semifinal game at the NCAA South Regional at Russellville, Ark, Saturday night. The loss ended the Moccasins' season at 26-5. Delta State (28-3) advances to Monday night's championship game against top-ranked Arkansas Tech.
After Michaela Hawley's layup put the Moccasins ahead 65-58 with 4:01, the Moccasins were able to score only two free throws by Chelsea Johnson the rest of the game, as Delta State went on a 14-2 run to post the come-from-behind victory.
Delta State tied it at 65-65 on Brooke Rhodes' three-pointer with 1:44 remaining, then Bug Cooper put the Lady Statesmen ahead 67-65 with a basket at the 1:03 mark. After she added a free throw with 50 seconds to go, Johnson hit two free throws to cut the margin to 68-67 with 40 seconds left. Rhodes was fouled with 24 seconds left and made both free throws to put Delta State up 70-67 with 24 seconds left. The Moccasins had the ball with a chance to tie, but Delta State increased its defensive pressure and Megan Dzikas forced a shot with 10 seconds left that fell short and Delta State added a pair of free throws for the final margin.
Johnson led FSC with 21 points in the final game of her career. She finished her four-year career with 2,001 points, becoming only the second player in FSC women's basketball history to score over 2,000 career points.
Emma Cannon posted her 15th straight double-double, and 23rd of the season, with a 20-point/14-rebound effort in her final game. Michaela Hawley scored 17 points before fouling out with 3:33 remaining.
Veronica Walker led Delta State with 28 points and Cooper added 18.
