Feb. 28, 2009

THIBODAUX, La. - McNeese shot 42 percent from the field and outrebounded the Colonels 42-23 in their 70-55 victory Saturday afternoon in Burton Coliseum.

Nicholls (2-23, 2-12 SLC) was led by freshman Jasmine Hoskins with 17 points and four rebounds. Hoskins hit four out of seven field goals and went nine for nine at the free throw line. Following Hoskins into double digits were teammates Portia Washington and Dominique Washington with 12 and 10, respectively. Portia Washington also finished with four steals in the contest.

As a team, the Colonels shot 37 percent from the field and hit one out of six shots from beyond the arc. Nicholls had 23 rebounds, 12 steals, six assists, and 24 turnovers in the match.

The Cowgirls (13-14, 5-9 SLC) had two players scoring in double digits, and were led by Shante' Perry who had a career high 20 points. Perry hit four out of eight shots from 3-point land to go along with three steals and five rebounds. The Cowgirls forced 24 turnovers and scored 13 points off the Nicholls' mistakes.

As a whole, the Cowgirls shot 42 percent in field goals and knocked down seven out of 20 shots from 3-point territory. McNeese finished with 42 rebounds, 14 steals, 15 assists, and 25 turnovers in the game.

The Colonels fell behind early and never obtained a lead throughout the game. McNeese opened the match with a three-pointer at the 17:40 mark in the first half that gave the Cowgirls a 3-0 lead. Following a quick layup from Tiffany Jones, McNeese hit another three and gained a 6-2 advantage over the Colonels. The Cowgirls then went on a 14-6 run and took a 20-10 lead. McNeese held a 36-25 lead over the Colonels at the half.

Early in the second half, Nicholls fell victim to a 9-2 Cowgirl run for a 46-27 lead with 16:47 remaining in the contest. Nicholls continued to make mistakes and McNeese scored 13 points off turnovers. McNeese held it's largest lead of the game (23 points) with 5:26 left in the second half. The Colonels came back late in the second half and decreased the final deficit to 15 making the final score 70-55.

McNeese currently sits at fourth place in the SLC Eastern Division standings while Nicholls sits at sixth.

The Colonels will remain on the road as they play UT-Arlington in Texas Hall on Wednesday at 7 p.m.