MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team put together strong showings to start each half at Memphis, but the Colonels were unable to end their losing streak as the Tigers handed Nicholls its fourth straight loss in a 73-62 decision Wednesday afternoon at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
 
Freshman Tykeria Williams netted 20 points for the Colonels and was a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range, while sophomore Cassidy Barrios finished with 16 points and a team-high eight rebounds and five assists.  
 
Williams played a role in both of the Colonels' quick starts, hitting a 3 in the opening minutes as Nicholls led 11-6, and she came out in the third with a pair of 3-balls to spark an 8-0 run which gave the Colonels a 33-31 lead. But Memphis countered with a 9-0 spurt as they went on to outscore Nicholls 23-8 to close out the third quarter for a 54-41 advantage.
 
The Colonels were 15-of-15 from the free throw line for the game, which helped them close to deficit to single digits in the fourth. But it wasn't until under the one minute mark that the Colonels did so and they went on to fall to 3-8 on the season.
 
The size disadvantage continued to hamper the Colonels as they were out rebounded, 44-31. The Tigers (6-6) grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, which led to 19 points, while Nicholls had just nine rebounds on offense, resulting in six points.
 
Nicholls finished the game at 34 percent from the field, despite Williams' outstanding game. The Montgomery, Alabama native connected on 8-of-13 from the field, but was the lone Colonel to shoot better than 33 percent.
 
The Colonel defense caused 17 turnovers which led to 10 steals, with Williams tallying four steals and Taylor Morrison (8 points) had three. But Nicholls turned the ball over 17 times as well and Memphis took advantage with a 24-13 edge in points off turnovers.
 
The Tigers had three players score in double figures, led by a game-high 21 points from Taylor Barnes. Cheyenne Creighton had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Nicholls will have a long break before returning on New Year's Eve to host UIW in conference play. The game is scheduled to tipoff at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit geauxcolonels.com.