THIBODAUX, La. – After nearly a month of only road action, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team will return home and host Lamar (Jan.16) and new SLC foe Stephen F. Austin (Jan. 18).
 
Last week, Nicholls (10-5, 3-3 SLC) picked up a pair of double figure road wins at UIW (68-57) and McNeese (60-47).
 
In the two victories the Colonels shot efficiently and played stout defense. The unit posted a 12-point scoring margin across the two games while shooting 43 percent from the field and connecting on 14 triples. Defensively the squad allowed opponents to shoot 35 percent from the field while forcing 34 turnovers. Nicholls' defense now ranks third in the league in points allowed (56.2) and opponent field goal percentage (36.5%).
 
The Red & Gray offense is spearheaded by junior guard who is the SLC's second ranked scorer as she averaged 15.9 points while dishing a team-high 2.9 assists. Senior forward Deonna Brister and sophomore guard Britiya Curtis add 9.4 and 9.1 points respectively.
 
Lamar (10-4, 5-0 SLC) is one of two teams that are unblemished in conference action and recently picked up home wins over New Orleans (94-52) and Stephen F. Austin (77-74). The Cardinals have three double figure scorers with Sabria Dean leading the way with 13.4 points per game followed by Akasha Davis (12.6) and Jacei Denley (10.6).
 
SFA (13-4, 3-3 SLC) fell to .500 in league action after dropping a pair of games last week to Southeastern (87-81) and Lamar (77-74). The Ladyjacks have five players that average double figure points. The SLC's fourth leading scorer Faith Blackstone paces the unit with 15.6 points per game. Ashlyn Traylor-Walker and Avery VanSickle add 13.5 and 13.4 followed by Trinity Moore (11.6) and Harmanie Dominguez (10.6).