JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Nicholls State University women's basketball team (2-5, 0-0 Southland) dropped a pair of tough non-conference battles at the JU Thanksgiving Classic over the weekend, falling to host Jacksonville by a 72-55 margin on Friday afternoon before coming up short, 64-61, against North Florida early on Saturday.

GAME ONE at JACKSONVILLE (L 72-55)

While the Colonels proved a tough opponent in both the first (outscored JU 15-14) and third quarters (outscored JU 21-16), the host Dolphins posted dominant showings in both the second and fourth periods as they clinched the tournament opener.

Individually, the Red and Gray notched three double-digit performances for the game, as redshirt senior Airi Hamilton and sophomore Adrian Mann paced the squad behind 14 points apiece while fellow sophomore Loan-Anh Johnson dropped a key 10. Notably, senior Tykeria Williams nearly clinched a double-double behind a nine-point, nine-steal showing, easily resetting a career-high in the latter category.

GAME TWO vs. NORTH FLORIDA (L 64-61)

Despite a slow start in a rough first half (just 18 points), the Red and Gray managed to fully recover from down 12 points across a competitive final stretch, battling back to a knotted 61-61 matchup with just 34 seconds remaining before a layup and free throw helped the Ospreys seal the victory.

Once again, Hamilton led the way, this time putting up a team-best 15 points as four total Colonels broke into double-digit scoring. The sophomore duo of Johnson and Mann combined for a solid 23 on the contest while Williams impressed off a 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, securing her fourth double-digit performance of the season.

As a team, Nicholls outpaced North Florida in a number of significant statistical categories, posting a 24-to-12 edge in points off turnovers as well as an 18-to-2 gap on fast break points. Further, the Colonels consistently worked the ball inside, finishing the game with a 10-point advantage (34-to-24) inside the paint.

UP NEXT
The Red and Gray close out the three-game roadtrip with a short trek north to in-state rival LSU, facing off against the Tigers on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. in Baton Rouge, La.

STAY SOCIAL
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