NACOGDOCHES, Texas – In a game featuring championship implications and the Southland Conference's two longest winning streaks, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team used a 17-1 run to lead by eight in the second half against first-place Stephen F. Austin, but the Colonels would run out of fuel down the stretch as the Ladyjacks stayed atop the standings with a 68-59 victory Saturday evening in William R. Johnson Coliseum.
With the loss, Nicholls (14-11, 10-4 SLC) falls two games behind SFA (19-6, 12-2 SLC) and saw its program-record seven-game winning streak come to an end. The Ladyjacks stay a game ahead of Lamar after extending their winning streak to seven games.
The Colonels had four players reach double figures in scoring, led by senior
Jenny Nash with 18 points.
Tia Charles had 12 points while
Emani White and
Shay Arnick added 10 each. On offense, Nicholls shot 43 percent from the field and made nine 3-pointers but was hampered by 23 turnovers.
Nicholls saw itself down early before the Colonel defense held SFA without a field goal during a 10-minute stretch which extended into the second half.
The Colonels closed out the half on an 8-0 run to trail 22-21 at the break and the surge would continue after the intermission. Following the break, Nash connected on a 3-ball on the first possession, Charles added a 3 and Nash capped the 17-1 run with another 3-pointer, giving Nicholls a 30-22 advantage.
Coming out of a timeout, SFA answered with an 8-0 run to tie the game. The Ladyjacks then gained control midway through the half by building a 50-42 lead. For the rest of the way, Nicholls stayed within a few possessions but could never close the gap.
SFA, which shot 45 percent from the field, had a huge advantage at free throw line, making 14 of 24. The Colonels, in contrast, made 4 of 8 at the charity stripe.
Porsha Roberts led SFA with 17 points and 11 rebounds while Tierany Henderson scored 15 points and Taylor Ross chipped in with 12.
Nicholls will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 26, at New Orleans before heading to Lake Charles on Saturday for an ESPN3 matchup with McNeese State.
