AVALON, Miss. (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive struggles and second-chance opportunities, the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes secured their first victory of the season, edging the Lipscomb Bisons 72-68 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at a sparsely attended LeFlore County Civic Center.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 181, saw the Devilettes overcome a poor shooting performance from distance by dominating the interior, particularly on the offensive glass. Mississippi Valley State hauled in 16 offensive rebounds, leading to a decisive 19-6 advantage in second-chance points.

Lipscomb, which fell to 2-3, controlled the opening quarter, leading 17-13. However, the momentum shifted in the second period as the Devilettes began to capitalize on their size and aggressiveness in the paint. A 22-point third quarter for Mississippi Valley State gave the home team a 52-46 lead heading into the final frame, a cushion they would not relinquish despite a late surge from the Bisons.

The game was ultimately decided by efficiency, or lack thereof. Both teams struggled from the field, but Mississippi Valley State’s ability to generate more attempts proved critical. The Devilettes shot 42 percent on 67 field goal attempts, while Lipscomb managed to connect on just 32 percent of its 50 shots. The Bisons kept the game close by making 27 of 31 free throws, but it was not enough to overcome the disparity in field goal production.

Ariel Jefferson was the catalyst for Mississippi Valley State, now 1-3. The 5-foot-9 guard from Clarendon, Arkansas, recorded a double-double with a game-high 20 points and 12 rebounds, with six of those boards coming on the offensive end. Her relentless work inside provided a consistent scoring threat for the Devilettes.

Janiya Jones, a 5-foot-7 guard from Olive Branch, Mississippi, provided crucial support with 15 points, while 6-foot-3 forward Nairobi Lewis of Port of Spain, Trinidad, anchored the defense with seven rebounds and two blocks in just 17 minutes of play.

For Lipscomb, the offensive load was carried by Elena Bertrand. The 5-foot-5 guard from Bristow, Virginia, scored a team-high 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc. Her backcourt mate, Hannah Richardson of Auckland, New Zealand, added 13 points.

Inside, the Bisons received a strong performance from McKayla Miller. The 6-foot-1 forward from Cimarron, Kansas, posted 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a block. Taylor Bowen, a 6-foot forward from Carmel, Indiana, was a force on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds to go with her one point.

The game was a stark contrast in styles. Lipscomb relied on the three-point shot, making nine from long range, but was hampered by 18 turnovers. Mississippi Valley State attempted only 19 three-pointers, making four, but compensated by committing three fewer turnovers and creating more scoring chances through their rebounding dominance.

The victory provides a positive turning point for Mississippi Valley State after opening the season with three consecutive road losses against Power Five competition by an average of 55 points. For Lipscomb, the narrow defeat follows a blowout win over Johnson and a tight loss to Chattanooga.

Lipscomb will look to return to the win column Wednesday when it travels to face in-city rival Belmont. Mississippi Valley State continues its homestand the same day, hosting Nicholls State.