Final Stats LAKE CHARLES, La.  – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team was forced into 21 turnovers on Monday night, its highest total since the start of Southland play, as McNeese State stayed undefeated in conference, defeating the Colonels, 68-53, at Burton Coliseum.

Nicholls falls to 10-9 and 3-3 in conference. McNeese State remains in first place in the Southland at 6-0, while improving its overall record to 16-4.

LiAnn McCarthy led the Colonels with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. Jasmine Hoskins scored 13, with 11 coming at the free throw line, while Alisha Allen added 12 points. Allen also finished with two blocks to set the Colonels' all-time career record at 70, which was previously held by Shonda Stampley, who played from 1985-89.

Nicholls only led during the first few minutes of the ball game, before eventually tying the game at 22-all on a pair of KK Babin free throws at the 6:53 mark. However, McNeese ended the period outscoring Nicholls, 14-6, to take a 36-28 lead at the half. The Cowgirls forced 12 first-half turnovers, which led to nine points.

In the second half, McCarthy sank back-to-back 3-pointers to cut the deficit to two points, but the Colonels would not get any closer for the rest of the game. The defending champions kept Nicholls off the scoreboard for a seven-minute stretch, scoring 14 points to swell the lead to 50-34 with 12 minutes remaining.

The Cowgirl lead grew to as much as 20 points down the stretch as they picked up their ninth consecutive win in the series over Nicholls with the 68-53 victory.

Nicholls shot 48 percent in the first half, but made only six field goals after the break to finish the night at 37 percent. The Colonels held a 34-25 advantage on the boards, led by Hoskins with seven.

McNeese shot 46 percent in the game and had three players score in double figures. Caitlyn Baggett had a game-high 19 points, Ashlyn Baggett scored 17 and Kendra Wells added 10.

Nicholls will have the rest of the week off before hosting Lamar on Saturday, Jan. 28. Tipoff at Stopher Gym is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.