THIBODAUX – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team had four players score in double figures as they prevailed 74-59 over Southern University at New Orleans on Friday night in David R. Stopher Gym.

“It is good to start off the season with a win,” said head women's basketball coach DoBee Plaisance. “We definitely have some things to clean up, and I think that game experience for our young players will only benefit us as we move further along in our schedule.”

The Colonels (1-0) were led by senior All-Southland guard Ricshanda Bickham with 17 points and six steals. Of Bickham's 17 points, 11 came from the free throw line.

In the game, both teams combined for 54 personal fouls and 45 turnovers. The Colonels did turn 30 SUNO turnovers into 28 points, and dominated the paint by out-scoring the opposition, 34-to-18.

“It was a season opening game for both teams, and I think that it showed,” added Plaisance. “However, it is a starting point, and I still feel strongly that the sky is the limit for this group of young ladies. We will be hard at work over the next few days as we prepare for Louisiana-Monroe.”

Also scoring in double digits for the Colonels was true freshman guard KK Babin with 16, and sophomore forward Alisha Allen and true freshman forward LiAnn McCarthy each putting forth 15. Allen did finish with the game's only double-double, grabbing 10 boards in the win.

Nicholls led by as many as 22 points with less than six minutes left in the game, and Southern University at New Orleans did bring it to within 12 – 71-59 – with under three minutes left. However, that is as close as the team would come to a comeback.

Southern University at New Orleans was led by LaTiondra Smith with 22 points, eight rebounds and a steal in 38 minutes of action.

Nicholls will stay at home, and will host Louisiana-Monroe on Tuesday night in Stopher Gym. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m.

###