THIBODAUX, La.  – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team defeated Stephen F. Austin 75-71 inside Stopher Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.  
 
After allowing SFA to shoot over 50 percent from the field in the first three quarters, Nicholls trailed 59-55 heading into the final stanza.  In the final frame, the Colonels defense forced the Ladyjacks to shoot 27.8 percent from the floor and commit six turnovers. The Red & Gray offense connected on half of their field goals (8-16) and four foul shots. The Colonels pieced together a 9-0 scoring run to take the lead with two minutes to go.
 
The Red & Gray offense was spearheaded by Tanita Swift who scored seven of her 22 points in the fourth quarter to swing momentum. She led the game with eight made field goals (8-15), six made free throws and eight assists.  
 
Britiya Curtis was a steady hand throughout as she hit seven field goals including two from long range to be the game's second leading scorer (16). She has reached double figures in six of the last seven contests.
 
For the fourth time in league play the Colonels won rebound margin.  Deonna Brister and Elli Garnett had nine points apiece while combining for 11 rebounds and four steals. Emani Burks and Daelyn Craig had six points apiece and combined for 10 rebounds.
 
The victory for Nicholls ended a two-game skid to the SFA who had taken seven of the last eight meetings dating back to 2015. The Colonels only win in that span was in the 2018 SLC Tournament Championship game.
 
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The Red & Gray (11-6, 4-4 SLC) will cross state lines to go on their longest road trip of the season to take on UTRGV (Jan. 23) and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (Jan. 25).