Final Stats THIBODAUX  – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team ended the year on a high note, posting its fifth consecutive win with a 72-52 victory over SUNO on Friday evening (Dec. 30) at Stopher Gym.

With the win, Nicholls (7-5) tied its program-best winning streak at five games, which is the third time the Colonels have reached the plateau. SUNO remains at 2-5 after counting the game as an exhibition.

In the Colonels final outing before the New Year, Nicholls led the entire duration of the contest, fueled by a significant 29-7 margin in points off turnovers. The Colonels forced 20 turnovers in the game, led by sophomore KK Babin with four steals.

Junior Alisha Allen led four Colonels in double figures, scoring 16 points on 8-of-13 from the floor. Allen also tied the team-high with six rebounds and added one block.

Babin also grabbed six boards and scored 14 points, connecting on four 3-pointers. Freshman Jenny Nash and senior Sumar Leslie rounded out the scoring leaders with 13 points apiece, with Leslie dishing out a game-high six assists.

The Colonels shot 44 percent from the field, while holding SUNO to 35 percent. The Lady Knights struggled from behind the arc, going 0-for-9.  Janee Morton led SUNO with 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Off the opening tip, Babin drained a three to give Nicholls a quick lead. The Colonels held SUNO to only three points in the game's first eight minutes, building an 18-3 advantage after another 3-ball from Babin.  Nicholls led by as much as 17 in the first period and went into the break with a 37-21 lead.

In the second half, Nicholls kept the foot on the pedal with Allen nailing a jumper 10 seconds into the period. Over the first four minutes, the Colonels outscored SUNO 12-0 to swell the lead to 49-21.

With 8:19 on the clock, sophomore LiAnn McCarthy found Nash for a 3-pointer to give Nicholls its largest lead of the night, 65-34. Down the stretch, SUNO would cut into the deficit before the game ended with the score, 72-52.

In all, eight Colonels cracked the scoring column. Holly Martin scored eight; Portia Washington added four, while Jasmine Hoskins and Ashley Adams chipped in with two points each.

Nicholls will start 2012 on the road as they face Arkansas-Little Rock on Jan. 4 for its final non-conference matchup. Tipoff against the Trojans is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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