Feb. 25, 2009

Final Stats

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls took a two-point lead - 17-15 with 11:00 left in the first - over Central Arkansas early on, and never looked back as the Colonels defeated the Sugar Bears 71-64 in Stopher Gym on Wednesday night.

"I'm just so proud of these young ladies for their effort and determination tonight," said Head Coach DoBee Plaisance.

"We played as a team and won as a team. I thought that we did a good job against their presses, and was happy with how we kept our composure."

The Colonels (2-22, 2-11) were led by senior Tiffany Jones with 21 points and seven assists in the win. Following Jones across the decade mark were senior Christie Bryant and true freshman Jasmine with 15 and 17, respectively. It was Hoskins' second time registering 17 points against Central Arkansas this season.

The Sugar Bears (6-20, 2-11) did not have a single player in double figures, and were led by Mariesha Piggee and Laura Beth Anderson with nine each.

Nicholls held a 32-27 halftime lead in part due to shooting 57.1 percent (12-of-21) from field goal range to go along with a perfect showing from three-point range, going 2-for-2. The Colonels did not attempt a three-point shot in the second half.

For the game, the Colonels shot 48.9 percent (22-of-45) from the floor while also having a 64.1 percent (25-of-39) mark from the free throw line. The Sugar Bears finished with a 32.9 percent (24-of-73) mark from field goal range, a 31.0 percent (9-of-29) showing from downtown, and a 35 percent (7-of-20) display from the charity stripe.

The Colonels largest lead of the game of 14 points - 46-32 - came at the 15:02 mark when senior Funaki Kefu made a runner in the lane. The Sugar Bears came within three - 61-59 - with 5:49 left in the game, but Nicholls went on a 10-5 run to close out the game to secure the victory.

Nicholls will be back in action on Saturday at McNeese State. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. in Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, La.

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