CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – For the third straight game, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team fell behind early and were unable to come all the way back as the Colonels dropped their opening game of the SEMO Thanksgiving Classic, 75-65, against Bradley Friday afternoon.
 
Nicholls (1-4) found itself in a huge hole after the first quarter, falling behind at 24-12. Bradley (3-1) upped its advantage by three points heading into the break before the Colonels mounted a third-quarter rally. An 8-0 spurt by the Red and Gray made it a seven-point game, but the Braves answered with the game's next seven points and never looked back.
 
Cassidy Barrios scored a game-high 16 points in the loss and saw her double-double streak end with eight rebounds. The junior guard hit 2 of 4 3-pointers, but the Colonels' struggle from long range continued as they finished 4 of 21. Airi Hamilton added 10 points, followed by Tia Charles (9 points) and Tykeria Williams (8)
 
The Braves shot 45 percent as a team and had a 13-point, 10-rebound performance from Shunseere Kent. Gabi Haack scored 11 points and a total of 12 Braves cracked the scoring column.
 
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Nicholls  will wrap up the SEMO Thanksgiving Classic Saturday against Evangel University. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.