Final Stats HOUSTON – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team overcame an early 10-point deficit, helped by a career-high 20 points from Emani White, to defeat Texas Southern 65-58 Saturday night at the H&PE Center.

With the win, Nicholls heads into conference play with an 8-3 overall record. Texas Southern falls to 3-8 on the year.

The Colonels fell behind 31-21 with four minutes remaining in the first half before White went on a terror, scoring 14 of the Colonels' 16 points to close out the half. White knocked down four 3-pointers in the stretch and a pair of free throws, while KK Babin scored a on a layup to cap off the period giving Nicholls a 37-33 lead.

After the break, the Lady Tigers came within one on a 3-pointer by Teera Williams, but Nicholls answered with an 8-1 run, going up 45-37 after a basket-and-one by LiAnn McCarthy. The Colonels led by as much as 12 points before going on to secure their eighth win of the season.

White finished the night 6-of-10 from the field, including 6-of-9 from behind the arc. Seventeen of her game-high 20 came in the first half as she hit five 3-pointers. KK Babin scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including a pair from behind the arc, and Alisha Allen added 13 points and eight rebounds.

Nicholls shot 43.1 percent from the field and had 19 assists on 25 field goals, led by Babin, White and Hope Pawlowski with four assists each.  The Colonels dominated on the boards with a 42-29 advantage.

Williams led Texas Southern, which shot 41.5 percent from the floor, with 17 points.

The Colonels open up Southern Conference play at home on Jan. 3 against Central Arkansas. Tipoff at Stopher Gym is slated for 5:30 p.m.