THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University returned home for the first time this year hoping to turn its misfortunes around, but the Colonels came up short once again in an 84-78 loss against Lamar University Wednesday night in Stopher Gymnasium.
Lamar (7-7, 3-2 SLC) took control of the contest with a 16-3 run to close out the third quarter before Nicholls (3-11 0-5 SLC) erased a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, tying the game twice with the last coming at the 2:20 mark. However, LU's Amber Vidal sank a pair of 3-pointers in the final 96 seconds to lead the Cardinals to the road win.
The loss spoiled a few career outings for the Colonels, including a personal-best 22 points by sophomore
Loan-Anh Johnson. She finished 7 of 10 from the field and added six rebounds. Senior
Chrystal Ezechukwu dished out a career-high six assists to go along with 13 points, while
Airi Hamilton (15 points) and
Tykeria Williams (14) each cracked double figures in scoring.
Nicholls had another strong shooting effort at 49 percent, but shot below its average at the free-throw line at 66.7 (18-27). Lamar made 50 percent of its shots and missed just four times at the charity stripe (19-23).
The game saw 15 lead changes and eight ties. Nicholls ended the first quarter with a 20-16 advantage after Johnson had a strong finish to the hoop and was fouled, adding the free throw.
In the final minute of the half,
Terris McKay put Nicholls back up with the Colonels' first 3-pointer of the game. LU's Shedricka Pierson then answered with a jumper to tie the game at 40-40.
Nicholls led 52-48 following a bucket by Ezechukwu midway through the third, but the Colonels only added a field goal and a free throw the rest of the quarter. Lamar's run was fueled by a pair of 3-point plays and a total of 10 points from Angel Hastings, who matched Johnson's 22 for the game-high.
With the score 81-78 with 17 seconds remaining in the game, the Colonels had one last chance to tie the score after Lamar turned the ball over on the inbounds, but following a timeout, Nicholls gave the ball right back. LU went on to make three free throws to make the final.
UP NEXT
The Colonels will head to Hammond to take on Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday, Jan. 11, kicking off a women's/men's doubleheader against the Lions. Tipoff at the University Center is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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