Wallace State Locks Down Southern Union in 69-43 Road Win

WADLEY — Defense traveled. And for Wallace State, it dictated everything.

The Lady Lions delivered one of their most complete performances of the season Wednesday night, overwhelming Southern Union 69-43 behind a suffocating defensive effort, dominant rebounding and a balanced offensive attack that steadily built separation from the opening tip.

From the first quarter on, Wallace State controlled the tempo, the glass and ultimately the game.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

Wallace State wasted little time asserting itself.

Idaysia Mercer erupted for 10 first-quarter points as the Lady Lions raced out to a 20-10 lead, immediately putting Southern Union on its heels. The early scoring burst set the tone for what became a wire-to-wire performance.

Mercer finished with a game-high 22 points, scoring in all four quarters and consistently breaking down the defense when Wallace State needed a bucket.

Defense Turns It Into a Rout

The game shifted decisively in the second quarter — and it started on the defensive end.

Wallace State held Southern Union to just eight points in the period, forcing contested shots and turnovers while pushing the lead to 42-18 at halftime. Kameron Sanders added six points in the quarter, but her impact extended well beyond scoring.

The sophomore guard finished with 10 points, six rebounds and three steals, helping fuel a defensive effort that never allowed Southern Union to find rhythm.

Control Through the Middle Quarters

Southern Union showed brief signs of life in the third quarter, scoring 15 points behind a small run from J. Smith and T. Mosley. But each time the Bison threatened to cut into the margin, Wallace State responded.

Mercer added seven points in the third, while the Lady Lions continued to control the boards and limit second-chance opportunities — preventing any sustained momentum from building.

Dominating the Glass

If there was a defining stat, it was on the boards.

• Rebounds: Wallace State 44, Southern Union 26

The Lady Lions' physical presence inside consistently tilted the possession balance in their favor. Zamyra Goode anchored that effort with 14 rebounds to go along with six points and three assists, while Sinaya Gibson (8 rebounds) and Nia Smith (6 rebounds) added depth and toughness in the frontcourt.

That rebounding edge not only limited Southern Union's opportunities but also fueled Wallace State's transition offense.

Balanced Attack, Efficient Execution

Wallace State didn't rely on just one scorer — it didn't have to.

• Idaysia Mercer — 22 points

• Bailey Tetro — 12 points, 3 assists

• Kameron Sanders — 10 points, 3 steals

• Nia Smith — 8 points, 6 rebounds

• Sinaya Gibson — 6 points, 8 rebounds

• Zamyra Goode — 6 points, 14 rebounds

The Lady Lions shot 43 percent from the field and recorded 12 assists on 28 made baskets, a reflection of their ball movement and offensive efficiency.

Meanwhile, Southern Union struggled to 30 percent shooting and committed 15 turnovers — many of which Wallace State converted into easy scoring opportunities.

Closing It Out

By the fourth quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Wallace State maintained its defensive intensity, holding Southern Union to just 10 points in the final period while methodically managing the game on the offensive end. Mercer added five more points late, putting the finishing touches on a dominant performance.