Final Stats KATY, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team gained its first lead early in the second half, but Stephen F. Austin used its size and some timely outside shooting to knock off the Colonels, 66-57, in the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament.

Nicholls wraps up the season at 15-16, setting a program-record in victories. Stephen F. Austin (23-8) advances to play McNeese State for the Southland Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Sophomore KK Babin led the Colonels with 14 points, hitting 4 of 11 from 3-point range. After setting a tournament and program record with 14 in the first round, the Colonels could never find their touch from downtown, finishing 5-of-20.

SFA took advantage of early foul trouble by the Colonels, leading by as much as eight in the first half. Before the break, Nicholls pieced together a 7-1 run, helped by field goals from reserves Syleida Ellis and Jasmine Hoskins, to send the teams into the locker rooms even at 25.

In the first possession after the break, senior Sumar Leslie, who finished with 10 points and five assists, stole the ball which led to free throws by Jenny Nash. Nash converted on both attempts, giving Nicholls its first lead, but the Ladyjacks answered with a 7-0 run and never relinquished the advantage.

The Colonels were able to even up the score once more, and cut the deficit to one point three different times, up to the 6:20 mark when they trailed 48-47. However, SFA got back-to-back three's from Brittany Matthew to help push its lead back to seven before going on to clinch a berth in the title game.

Nicholls shot just 31.5 percent and was outrebounded, 43-26. Nash finished with a game-high eight boards, while adding six points.

Tammara Marion led the Ladyjacks with 15 points.

POSTGAME QUOTES

Nicholls head coach DoBee Plaisance
Opening statement…
"I can't be any happier for not only my women and this program, but for Nicholls State University. The diligence
and character of these women all year is unmatched. I am so proud to be a Colonel, and I couldn't be any
prouder of my women tonight."

On the difference in the game…
"Our looks were not as clean, but at the end of the day, it came down to the 17 points off rebounds for Stephen
F. Austin. The women executed the game plan. It was the second-chance point. We just needed a few breaks.
We did get a few open looks, but they just didn't fall tonight. But I think the score is more indicative of the 17
points off rebounds for SFA than initial shots."

On the state of Nicholls women's basketball…
"My expectation for this program has been through the roof. Even my first year here, I had every intent to be in
the position where we are right now. The future is bright, and it has been a process. I am grateful for the ups
and grateful for the downs. The challenging times have only forced me to work harder. The harder the leader
works, it just resonates down to the team.

Nicholls sophomore guard KK Babin
On the state of Nicholls women's basketball…
"We are coming along. This is our first time [to Katy] since I have been here, and it definitely won't be our last.