THIBODAUX, La. – Four double-figure scorers and stout defense late helped the Nicholls State University women's basketball team defeat Alabama A&M 60-55 inside Stopher Gym on Sunday.

The Red & Gray made eight field goals in the third quarter, while the Bulldogs made eight for the entire second half. Over the last five minutes of the contest, the Colonels scored the final nine points, highlighted by a go-ahead 3-pointer by sophomore guard Amelia Sandie with just under two minutes remaining.

After that, freshman guard Kayla Keshmeshian put the game on ice with four free throws to seal the win and finish the game with 12 points. Freshman forward Lexi Alexander claimed her second consecutive double-double, with game-highs of 15 points and 20 rebounds. Alexander had four blocks including one moments before Sandie's three.

Also adding 12 points was junior guard Kyla Hamilton who also added five rebounds and a game-high four assists. Sophomore forward Deonna Brister poured in 14 points, snagged five boards, and dished out three assists including finding Sandie for her key three.

The Colonels trailed 30-26 at the intermission as the Bulldogs were able to force 16 turnovers. The Bulldogs were also able to keep pace with the Colonels on the boards and scoring in the paint matching the 18 and 12 Nicholls generated.

The second half was a different story. Nicholls turned up their defensive intensity and only turned the ball over four times. Additionally, the Red & Gray ran away with the rebound advantage 49-35 and finished the game with 14 second-chance points.

Overall, the Lady Bulldogs generated 12 steals and 15 fast break points. Junior guard Taylor Smith and graduate Toni Grace led Alabama A&M in scoring finishing with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

UP NEXT
The Colonels travel to Birmingham, Alabama to take on the Blazers of UAB on Tuesday, November 15.