THIBODAUX, La. – A slow start was too much for the Nicholls State University women's basketball team to overcome as they were defeated 64-49 by Mississippi Valley State in Itta Bena, Mississippi on Tuesday afternoon.

The Colonels scored eight points in the first two quarters combined and trailed 26-16 at the half. In the second half, the Colonels found their rhythm and shot 46.4 percent from the field including four 3-pointers.

Leading the way offensively for the Red & Gray was senior guard Traya Bruce, who hit three 3-pointers and a pull-up jumper to finish the contest with 11 points. Freshman forward Lexi Alexander scored nine points and grabbed nine boards.

Junior guard Kyla Hamilton, sophomore forward Deonna Brister, and junior center Kate Manley added six points apiece. Brister added nine rebounds and four assists, Hamilton had six boards and four assists, and Manley added four rebounds and a block.

Overall, the Devilettes outrebounded the Colonels 49-37, including a 17 to five-advantage on the offensive glass. Additionally, they forced 18 Colonel turnovers compared to their nine and doubled up the Nicholls points in the paint production 44-22.

The Devilettes had four players reach double-figure points. Forward Zaria Harleaux lead the way with 16 points and nine boards, followed by forward SyAnn Holmes who poured in 15 points and snagged nine rebounds. Guard Zakiya Mahoney scored 14 points and had eight assists and eight rebounds, while guard Krisen Hunt added 10 points.

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The Colonels will travel to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to take on Southern Miss and Mississippi Valley State on Friday, November 25, and Saturday, November 26 in the Lady Eagle Thanksgiving Tournament hosted by Southern Miss.