HOUSTON, Texas – A hot start and clutch free throw shooting lifted the Nicholls State University women's basketball team to a 58-55 victory over HBU Saturday in Sharp Gymnasium.
The Colonels (14-10, 8-4 SLC) scored the game's first 10 points and lead for most of the contest, but saw themselves down 55-54 when HBU's Amanda Johnson sank a jumper with less than 30 seconds remaining.
Tykeria Williams hit two free throws to put Nicholls back on top, and the Colonel defense smothered the Huskies for a 5-second violation on the ensuing possession. Williams was quickly fouled with five seconds on the clock and came through again at the charity stripe. HBU (7-15, 2-10 SLC) was able to get off a desperation 3 by Johnson as time expired, but it was off the mark, giving Nicholls the three-point victory.
Williams finished with 15 points and was 2 of 4 from behind the arc. Senior
Cassidy Barrios also scored in double figures, totaling 20 points, eight rebounds, five steals, four assists, and two blocks. The duo combined to make 13 of 15 from the line, as Nicholls connected on 75 percent as a team.
The Colonels sank 5 of 11 from 3-point range, and two came from Barrios in the opening minutes for a 10-0 lead. The Huskies eventually made it a one-point game at 25-24 in the second quarter but never led until the second half.
In the third, HBU went up 30-29 before Nicholls answered with a 7-0 run. For then on, the Colonels led until Johnson's jumper in the final minute. Johnson had a huge game for the home team, scoring 26 points on 6 of 8 from 3-point range.
Both teams struggled taking care of the ball, combining for 52 turnovers. Nicholls had a 10-plus edge in rebounding, helped by six from redshirt freshman
Lauryn Bowie.
UP NEXT
Nicholls will play at home for the first time since Jan. 23, hosting Sam Houston State on Wednesday night (Feb. 20). Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
TICKET INFO
Get season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. For the latest news on Nicholls women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB.
