THIBODAUX, La. – Behind five players in double figures and 11 made 3-pointers, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team held off Lamar's late rally for a 78-67 victory Saturday afternoon at Stopher Gym.
 
Tykeria Williams scored a game-high 19 points, Taylor Morrison knocked down five 3-pointers for 18 and Cassidy Barrios posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds as the trio helped Nicholls (6-12, 3-4 SLC) jump out to a 19-point lead before the Cardinals (12-5, 5-2) came storming back in the fourth quarter.
 
Nicholls led by 14 after the third and 62-51 midway through the final period, but Lamar caught fire from 3-point range and connected on four from long distance to fuel a 12-2 run. The teams traded points over the next few possessions before Emani White (10 points) calmly knocked down a pair of free throws with a minute remaining for a 70-67 Colonel lead.
 
Lamar turned the ball over on the inbounds, which led to Barrios sinking two more free throws to make it a two possession game. The Cardinals were unable to come up with any points in the final minute, and Nicholls added six more free throws to cap an outstanding week at the line. The Colonels finished 19 of 20 at the charity stripe to go along with their 18 of 19 effort Wednesday against Abilene Christian.
 
Nicholls shot 46 percent from behind the arc, aided by a 6-for-9 showing in the first quarter. The rebounding margin was only minus-five in the win, thanks in part to Barrios' outstanding performance inside as she collected a career-high 13 boards. She also added five assists and was a 4 of 5 from the field.
 
Williams also missed just one shot, making 5 of 6 from the field and 3 of 4 from behind the arc. Morrison was 5 of 7 from deep as she matched her career best in points. Senior Hope Pawlowski rounded out the leading scorers with 11 points.
 
Lamar was led by Kiandra Bowers with 18 points and 12 rebounds. The Cardinals shot just 39 percent from the field compared to the Colonels' 59 percent clip.
 
Nicholls will wrap up its three-game home stand on Wednesday, Jan. 25 against HBU. Tipoff at Stopher Gym is scheduled for 6 p.m.
 
For the latest news on Colonel women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB.