THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team will look to pull closer to its first Southland Conference championship as the Colonels put their four-game winning streak on the line Tuesday night, taking on second-place Lamar at the Montagne Center.

Tipoff between the Colonels (16-8, 8-5) and Lady Cardinals (17-7, 9-4) is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The game can be listened to live on KNSU 91.5 FM, or online on Colonels All-Access.

Nicholls is coming off a convincing 67-50 win against Northwestern State, where the Colonels set a program-record with their 16th victory of the season. The win was also Nicholls' eighth in Southland play, its most since the 1998-99 season (11).

The Colonels have yet to lose in February, but three of the four wins have come at home. Nicholls started off the month with its first ever victory at Central Arkansas before reeling off three straight at Stopher Gym. So far, the Colonels have held their own on the road, going 6-6 on the road with three wins in conference.

Nicholls had four players score in double figures in its last outing, led by junior guard KK Babin with 16 points. Babin, who also had five assists, is 12th in the SLC in scoring (12.8 ppg) and is second in assists (4.9). Also reaching double digits for Nicholls were LiAnn McCarthy and Emani White with 15 each, while Alisha Allen added 10 points.

The matchup against Lamar will feature two of the league's most versatile players. For the Colonels, Allen leads the team in scoring (14.8 ppg), rebounding (5.9), is seventh in the SLC in field goal percentage (.474) and ranks third with 27 blocks. Along with being Nicholls' main threat inside, she has also knocked down four 3-pointers on the year.

Lamar is led by Kalis Loyd, who is fourth in the Southland in scoring at 17.3 points per game. Loyd, LU's only player averaging double figures, also ranks in the Top 10 in conference in three other categories – rebounds (7.4/6th), assists (3.2/9th) and steals (2.2/3rd).

The Lady Cardinals are coming off their worst showing at home this season in a 65-46 loss to McNeese, dropping their record at the Montagne Center to 9-2 on the year. LU had won five straight heading into the matchup with the Cowgirls, including a four-point win against Sam Houston.

Lamar leads the all-time series against the Colonels 18-13 after the squads split last year's meetings, with both teams winning at home.

Following Tuesday night's game, the Colonels will have the weekend off before turning to the court next Thursday (Feb. 28) for a matchup with Sam Houston.

GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Tipoff: 5:30 p.m.
Radio: 91.5 FM KNSU (Thibodaux, La.)
Audio Stream: Colonels All-Access
Live Stats: www.lamarcardinals.com