LAKE CHARLES, La. - A career-high 25 points by guard Chyna Allen could not keep the Nicholls State University women's basketball team's recent dominance going against rival McNeese, as the Cowgirls snapped a five-game skid in the series with a 73-65 win Thursday evening at the Legacy Center.

Allen was one of three Colonels (3-12, 1-3 SLC) to average double figures entering the game, but the other two - Bryanna Washington and Chelsea Cain - both had off nights shooting in the loss. The duo made a combined 3 of 23 from the field as they finished with six and eight points, respectively. Cain was hampered with foul trouble all game, seeing only 23 minutes. Washington had a strong showing on the glass with a career-high 15 rebounds. 

Allen was joined in double figures by Kyrstin Green with 11 points, which matched her career high. Green hit three 3-pointers for the second straight game.

Nicholls started slow by making just 5 of 18 from the field in the first quarter. McNeese led 9-2 before the Colonels responded by outscoring the home team, 14-2, over a six-minute stretch. 

In the second quarter, the squads played to a tie four times with the last coming at 34-all on a Kate Manley bucket. Right before the break, McNeese's Kyla Hamilton canned a 3-pointer for the halftime lead.

Nicholls suffered a lengthy drought to start the third as McNeese built its advantage to 46-34. The run proved to be too much to overcome as the Colonels dropped their third straight game.

Allen shot 9 of 20 from the field and added six rebounds, four steals and three assists. McNeese was led by Zuzanna Kulinska with 18 points. 

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Nicholls heads to Houston for an ESPN+ matchup against HBU. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.