THIBODAUX, La. –  The Nicholls State University women's basketball team utilized stout defense and efficient offense in the fourth quarter to beat McNeese 81-67 inside Stopher Gym on Saturday afternoon.
 
In the final 10 minutes, Nicholls shot 11-14 (78.6%) from the field. Additionally, they made three shots from beyond the arc. McNeese shot 5-13 (38.5%) from the field and only score 12 points compared to the Colonels 26.
 
Senior guard Kyla Hamilton poured in 17 of her 19 points in the first half as Nicholls led by as much as 18 (37-19) with 5:15 to go in the second quarter. However, the Cowgirls closed the first half on a 16-2 run to get back into the game. Nicholls led 39-35 at the intermission.
 
During the third quarter, McNeese was able to piece together a 13-3 run that helped them climb all the way back and tie the game at 55 going into the fourth quarter.
 
Three additional Colonels finished in double figures. Freshman guard Britiya Curtis scored a career-high 21 points while shooting 50% (8-16) from the field, including three triples.
 
Senior guard Mikayla Etienne hit three shots from long range and scored 16 points, while sophomore forward Lexi Alexander posted her second consecutive double-double as she registered 15 points and 14 rebounds.
 
The win for Nicholls clinched its birth in the 2024 Southland Conference Basketball Tournament for the first time since 2021.

UP NEXT
The Red & Gray (12-13, 6-7 SLC) will play their final home games of the season next week. First they will battle UIW on Thursday, Feb. 22 and then host Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday, Feb. 24. The action from Stopher Gym will be streamed on ESPN+.