Final Stats AMES, Iowa – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team outscored Big 12 program Iowa State in the second quarter to head into the break down by just eight points, but the Colonels were unable to keep pace as they dropped their final nonconference game to the Cyclones, 75-47, Thursday afternoon in Hilton Coliseum.

Nicholls slipped to 5-6 with its second-straight setback, but both losses came against Big 12 teams after the Colonels hosted No. 6 Baylor Monday night.

Paige Williams sparked the offense off the bench, finishing with a team-high 13 points. Destiny Collins also had eight points for the reserves, joining starter Marina Lilly as the team's second-leading scorer.

For the second time in as many games, Nicholls had problems shooting against the taller defenders, finishing at 28 percent for the game. But the defense forced 20 turnovers, and it was not until the second half that Iowa State (6-5) finally pulled away.

After Nicholls trailed 19-10 through the first quarter, Williams headed a run in the second with two 3-pointers and a layup to make it a 27-23 deficit. Iowa State countered with two triples of its own to close out the half, capped on one from Bride Kennedy-Hopoate right before the break for a 35-27 halftime lead.

In the third, the Colonels were held to six points for the third time in the last six quarters. Iowa State poured in 29 points in the frame as Nicholls went nearly five minutes without a point. Cassidy Barrios ended the drought with a bucket inside, but ISU's advantage was almost double the score at 62-33. Barrios finished with six points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.

Nicholls outscored Iowa State in the fourth, 14-11, helped by four points from Lilly.

Iowa State had four players reach double figures in scoring, led by 18 points from Madison Wise. The Cyclones hit 11 3-pointers and shot 44 percent from the field.

UP NEXT

The Colonels will have the holiday break off before returning for conference play. Nicholls starts the Southland schedule on the road at Northwestern State (Dec. 28) before heading to UIW (Dec. 30)

The next home game is scheduled for Jan. 3 against Stephen F. Austin.