BEAUMONT, Texas - The Nicholls State University women's basketball team shot a scorching 63 percent from the field while Lexi Alexander and Deonna Brister scored 23 points each as the Colonels outlasted Lamar with an 80-74 overtime victory Thursday night at the Montagne Center.

After the teams traded a free throw in the final 30 seconds of regulation, Lamar enjoyed an early three-point lead in the extra period before Nicholls (4-11, 1-3 SLC) used a 9-0 run to pick up the victory. The win snapped an 11-game Southland skid for the Colonels and also ended a seven-game losing streak on the season.  

Nicholls connected on 29 of 46 from the field for its highest field goal percentage since setting the program record at 66.7 percent against Belhaven in December of 2011. It was also the first 60 percent-plus performance from the field since a win over Evangel in 2017.

Only five Colonels scored in the victory but all five netted double figures. Alexander made 9 of 11 from the field for her third 20-point effort of the season and she also flirted with a triple-double, totaling nine rebounds and seven assists to go along with three blocks. Brister played all 40 minutes to set a new career-high in points, making 6 of 9 from the field, 2 of 3 from 3-point range and 9 of 11 at the free throw line. She ended the night a perfect 6-for-6 at the charity stripe in the final minute of overtime. 

Kyla Hamilton added 12 points and five assists while Traya Bruce and Amelia Sandie each scored 11. Bruce's final 3-pointer gave Nicholls the lead for good at 72-70 with just over two minutes remaining in OT. 

Lamar (8-7, 2-2 SLC) received a big night by Sabria Dean with a game-high 26 points. Akasha Davis (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Emma Imebore (12/11) turned in double-doubles for the Cardinals. 

As good as the Colonel offense was, the defense also had its best showing of the season as the Colonels held Lamar to 32.5 percent from the field -- the lowest output for an opponent this season. 

The game featured 10 lead changes and seven ties. Nicholls saw its largest advantage of the night midway through the third quarter after Alexander scored inside for a 50-38 lead. But Lamar dominated over the next 10 minutes, outscoring the Colonels 23-8 for a 61-58 lead. Nicholls countered by attacking the rim as Alexander hit two free throws after being fouled on a driving layup, and Sandie and Bruce followed with buckets inside. However, Dean sank a 3-ball with 1:04 in regulation that tied the game at 64.

Nicholls claimed its first overtime win since defeating Lamar at home, 79-77, two years ago. 

UP NEXT
Nicholls returns home for a rematch against Northwestern State on Saturday, Jan. 14. The Lady Demons knocked off the Colonels last Saturday, 67-58. Tipoff at Stopher Gymnasium is scheduled for 1 p.m.

STUFF STOPHER
Following the three-game road trip, Nicholls returns home to host Northwestern State (Jan. 14) and McNeese (Jan. 19). The contest against McNeese will serve as the program's annual "Stuff Stopher" game. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time by calling the Nicholls Athletics Ticket Office at 985-448-4790 or visiting NichollsTickets.com.

FOLLOW THE COLONELS
Follow Nicholls Women's Basketball on social media on Twitter (@Nicholls_WBB) and Instagram. Follow Colonel Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to the official YouTube channel (Nicholls Athletics).