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THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team begins its Southland Conference schedule with a matchup against UIW on Saturday, Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. at Stopher Gym.
 
The Colonels head into the opener with a 3-9 record and a four-game losing streak, but all but three games have been on the road. Nicholls is 2-1 at home this season and will look to continue its strong play in Thibodaux. The Colonels started their home schedule with wins over ULM and Jackson State before falling in a shootout against Troy.
 
Nicholls has been led by its starters on offense as the quintet has accounted for 91 percent of the scoring. Sophomore Cassidy Barrios leads the team with 14.5 points, while also ranking first in field goal percentage (.419), rebounding (7.8) and assists (2.9). Barrios has two double-doubles on the year and has 10 or more rebounds in three games. Freshman Tykeria Williams is second in scoring at 12.6 ppg, followed by seniors Emani White (11.7), Hope Pawlowski (11.7) and Taylor Morrison (9.4).
 
UIW has also had a tough nonconference slate, posting a 2-9 record. But the two wins came in the Cardinals' last two games as they defeated LSU-Alexandria and Texas A&M-Kingsville.
 
UIW is led by Celia Garcia Paunero, who is averaging a double-double with 17.2 points and 10.5 rebounds. Cheyenne Berry and Haley Frias are also scoring in double figures, nearly averaging 11 points per game. 
 
Nicholls leads the brief all-time series, 4-1, after the teams split the two matchups last season. The Colonels escaped with a 66-64 win at UIW before the Cardinals won in Thibodaux, 63-61.
 
For the latest news about Colonel women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB.