HATTIESBURG, MS – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team was defeated 86-60 by the University of Southern Miss inside Reed Green Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.   
 
Both teams started the game sluggish offensively as the teams combined for eight made field goals and 14 turnovers in the opening quarter. The second quarter was different as Nicholls (3-3) connected on nine field goals including two from long range.
 
However, the frame was still highlighted by seven turnovers by the Colonels. USM made 13 field goals in the second stanza and was able to score 17 points off 15 first half turnovers by the Colonels to build a 49-31 advantage at the intermission. After the Colonels got within 15 midway through the third quarter the offense went cold and allowed USM to go on a run to build their lead to as high as 29 in the second half.
 
Marie Kenembeni had her best game as a Colonel as she poured in 19 points on eight field goals including one from beyond the arc aa pair of free throws. She scored eight points in the first half while stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Jesslynn Jalomo joined Kenembeni in double figures as she connected on three shots including a pair of triples, and two foul shots to finish with 10 points.
 
For USM, Carly Keats led the way with 23 points while Meloney Thames and Sakyia While added 12 points apiece.
 
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The Red & Gray (3-3) will have over a week of rest before returning home and hosting Louisiana Christian on Monday Dec. 1 at 11 a.m.