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THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team is searching for its second win away from home this season and first against a Division I opponent as the Colonels take on Jackson State Saturday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.
 
Nicholls has had three convincing wins over non-DI opponents, including a blowout victory Wednesday against NAIA SUNO. The Colonels scored the game's first 18 points and went on to win, 83-45. With a 3-4 mark on the season, the other wins have come against D-II Spring Hill and NAIA Evangel.
 
While Nicholls is still looking to claim its first D-I win; their four losses have been against stiff competition. The Colonels opened the season with a close outing at SMU before falling at home to Jacksonville, which had back-to-back 20-win campaigns and appearances in the postseason. Nicholls then lost at SEC member LSU and Missouri Valley's Bradley.
 
The Colonels are averaging 77.7 points on 52 percent shooting in their wins, versus just 59.2 points on 32 percent from the field in the four losses. One constant factor in all the games has been the team's ability to force turnovers as they rank 16th in the NCAA with 12.9 per game.
 
Cassidy Barrios is averaging a double-double for the Red and Gray after seven games with 17.1 points and 10.1 rebounds, while Tykeria Williams is second in scoring at 12.6 points. Each is shooting 90.9 percent at the free throw line, led by a team-high 30 made free throws by Barrios. Tia Charles is third in scoring at 8.7 points, followed by Airi Hamilton (7.6).
 
Jackson State is on a three-game winning streak after taking down Illinois-Chicago, Chicago State, and Spring Hill College, which Nicholls defeated 78-70 in its home opener. The Tigers cruised to a victory over the Badgers in their matchup, winning 77-50.
 
JSU is headed by Derica Wiggins with 16.8 points per game. As a team, they are averaging 80.8 points while allowing only 61.8. The Tigers have an impressive plus-10.6 rebounding margin, highlighted by 122 offensive boards. JSU has five players averaging four or more rebounds a game, led by Sumer Williams with 6.4.
 
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Nicholls will have nearly two weeks off for final exams before returning to action on Friday, Dec. 15 at Mississippi Valley State.