SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team used a game-high 23 points by junior
Chelsea Cain to pick up its second road win in conference, defeating UIW, 47-43, Thursday night in the McDermott Center.
In a game where points were at a premium, Nicholls (4-13, 2-4 SLC) responded from its largest deficit, 35-30 with just under seven minutes to go, scoring the next six points to take the lead for good. Cain,
Chyna Allen (9 points) and
Bryanna Washington (5 points, 12 rebounds) each scored during the run, and
Deonna Brister and
Amelia Sandie contributed down the stretch to help seal the win.
With Nicholls leading 40-38 with 40 seconds remaining, Sandie sank a long jumper on the baseline to double the Colonel advantage. UIW (5-12 105 SLC) was forced to foul the rest of the way and the Red and Gray sank five free throws to snap their four-game losing streak.
Cain accounted for over half of the scoring, shooting 8 of 16 from the field while finishing with seven rebounds. It marked her fourth 20-point effort this season. Cain headed into the matchup ranked second in the conference, trailing UIW's Jaaucklyn Moore who scored 20 points on 7 of 21 shooting. They were the lone scorers to crack double figures.
The game had no fans in attendance due to the wintry conditions in central Texas, and the offenses were just as cold in the first half. The teams combined for 31 points as Nicholls led 17-14 at the break. The Colonels limited UIW to two points in the second quarter on 1 of 13 from the field.
Nicholls saved their best for last, scoring 21 points on 8 of 15 shooting in the fourth. The Colonels shot 37 percent for the game but was hampered with turnovers, committing 23. UIW, which also had 20 miscues, shot 30 percent for game.
UP NEXT
Nicholls returns home for the next four games, starting Thursday, Feb. 10 with a rematch against UIW. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.
