LORMAN, Miss. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team began the 2025 campaign with a 72-66 victory over Alcorn State University inside Davey L. Whitney Health & Physical Education Complex on Monday night.
 
A Laryn Scott layup gave the Colonels their highest lead in the game (16) before the Lady Braves hit three consecutive triples and a layup to cut the deficit to five (67-62) with 1:05 to go. Jasmine Matthews and Jesslynn Jalomo put the game on ice with a clutch bucket and free throws so secure the first Red & Gray victory of the season.
 
Nicholls senior guard Sh'Diamond McKnight set the tone in the first half as she poured in 15 of her 18 points across the first stanzas. She finished the game with six made field goals including three triples and three foul shots. McKnight's scoring punch along with stout second quarter defense helped the Colonels generate a 32-23 lead at the break.
 
The Red & Gray momentum carried into the third quarter as the squad made eight field goals. Despite Alcorn matching the eight made field goals, the Colonels led by nine heading into the final frame.
 
The Colonels offense was efficient throughout the contest as the unit shot 52% from the field and featured three double figure scorers. Matthews hit six field goals and four free throws to finish with 16 points while Jalomo hit five field goals including three from long range and a pair from the charity stripe. Anyra Wilson scored nine points and dished a game high five assists, and Scott finished with six. Freshmen Makayla Charles and combined for eight points and three assists in their debuts. Senior forward Emani Burks tallied a game best 10 rebounds.
 
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The Red & Gray (1-0) will travel west to take on UTEP in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8.