THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team will open its 39th season on Friday, Nov. 9, against No. 25 DePaul in the Maggie Dixon Classic. Tipoff at McGrath-Phillips Arena is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Live stats for the game will be available by clicking here.

Nicholls will be looking to build off its record-setting season in 2011-12, where the Colonels won a program-best 15 games. The Colonels return four of five starters from last season, including three of the top four scorers – Alisha Allen (13.8 ppg), KK Babin (12.8) and LiAnn McCarthy (9.3).

In addition to seven returning letterwinners, head coach DoBee Plaisance brought in six newcomers. Joining the team are transfers Kishaun Williams (Missouri) and Jasmine Scott (Trinity Valley CC), along with four freshmen – Amani White, Hope Pawlowski, Bria Reed and LaDesha Carrier .

The Blue Demons are coming off their 10th straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and are led by its unanimous first-team Big East senior guard, Anna Martin. Last season, Martin averaged 19.1 points per game, which ranked 25th in the NCAA.

The Colonels are 12-26 in season openers, with their last victory coming in the 2010-11 campaign where they defeated SUNO, 74-59. Coach Plaisance's opening record fell to 1-3 last season after Alabama handed Nicholls a 72-51 loss in Tuscaloosa.

Nicholls will wrap up the tournament on Saturday, playing either Mississippi Valley State or Dayton. A victory over DePaul puts Nicholls into the championship game, which is set for 7 p.m. If the Colonels lose on Friday, they will play at 5 p.m.