Final Stats THIBODAUX, La. – Leading by five points midway through the second half, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team failed to score during a four-minute stretch as Abilene Christian exploded for an 18-0 run, and the Colonels never came closer than seven points the rest of the way, falling 78-62 on Thursday afternoon at Stopher Gym.

After shooting 44 percent in the first half to lead 37-34 at the intermission, Nicholls (14-12, 9-6) went ice cold in the final period, making just 8-of-34 shots, including 0-of-7 from 3-point range. Emani White paced the Colonels with 22 points but made just 6-of-19 from the field, and Jasmine Scott came off the bench to match her career-high with 18 points.

Renata Marquez led the Wildcats (16-11, 6-5) with 22 points, including 17 in the second half. Alexis Mason scored 19; making 4-of-8 from behind the arc, and Suzzy Dimba recorded a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds.

Helped by five points from White, Nicholls was able to extend its halftime lead to 46-38 before ACU caught fire. Jessica Elkins, who hit two 3-pointers in the final minutes of the first half, started the surge with another 3-ball. The Wildcats then scored layup after layup, and a 3-pointer by Mason put ACU up 57-48 at the 9:45 mark. Two more baskets inside capped the 18-0 run, which took less than four minutes off the clock.

The Colonels made a late run to bring the score within seven, but three more 3-pointers by the Wildcats pushed the lead to 14, as Nicholls fell for only the second time at home this season.

Despite Scott's 8-of-15 day from the field, Nicholls finished the game shooting 33.8 percent, its second lowest in conference play. The Colonels struggled from long range, hitting just 4-of-20. Jenny Nash had three of the long balls and finished with 11 points.

Nicholls will wrap up its home schedule on Saturday, March 1 for Senior Day against Incarnate Word. Before the game, the Colonels will honor seniors Jasmine Scott and KK Babin. Tipoff at Stopher is scheduled for 1 p.m.