PDF Box THIBODAUX, La. – Redshirt junior
Hope Pawlowski netted a career-high 18 points, but the Nicholls State University women's basketball team dropped its fourth consecutive contest with a 62-49 loss to Jacksonville State Friday night at Stopher Gym.
Pawlowski was the lone Colonel to reach double figures in scoring as the Colonels shot 35.4 percent from the field, compared to Jacksonville State's 47.3 percent clip. Even with the shots not falling for Nicholls (2-7), the Gamecocks (5-6) dominated the glass with a 38-23 advantage. JSU allowed just three offensive rebounds to Nicholls on 31 missed shots.
Jacksonville State was led on offense by Gretchen Morrison with 17 points on 5 of 17 shooting from behind the arc, and Briana Benson connected on 3 of 4 from long range to finish with 13 points.
The visitors never trailed in the game and led by as much as 19 in the fourth quarter. The Gamecocks were up 30-26 at the intermission before holding Nicholls to just seven points in third. Jacksonville State enjoyed its largest lead midway through the fourth before Pawlowski helped trim the deficit with eight late points.
The teams combined for 39 turnovers, but the Gamecocks were able to turn the Colonels' miscues into a 17-7 advantage in points off turnovers. Jacksonville State also had a 10-point margin in fast break points at 12-2.
JSU enjoyed a 5-0 lead to start the game on a steal and layup before Morrison drained her first 3-pointer of the night. Morrison had the green light all night from long range as only one of her 18 field goal attempts came from inside the arc.
The Colonels' best quarter came in the second as the teams finished with 16 points each. Nicholls had trouble finding Morrison as she hit three from long range to push the lead to 10, but the Colonels answered with their own 3-point barrage.
LiAnn McCarthy and Pawlowski hit back-to-back 3s with five minutes until the break, and Pawlowski rattled home a 3-ball to close out the half.
Nicholls couldn't cut into the deficit in the third and Morrison gave JSU a 44-33 lead with another 3-pointer to end the period. For the final quarter, the Gamecocks maintained a double digit lead throughout as they handed the Colonels their third loss in four home games.
Marina Lilly chipped in nine points for the Colonels, while McCarthy,
Cassidy Barrios and
Airi Hamilton finished with six each.
The Colonels will have the Holiday Break off before closing out 2015 at home against Grambling State on Dec. 29 at 6 p.m.. For tickets, please visit geauxcolonels.com or call the ticket office at 985-448-4970.
