THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University exploded for 61 second half points to defeat Louisiana Christian University 101-54 inside a packed Stopher Gym on Education Day.

After building a small first half lead, Nicholls (4-3) opened the third quarter on a 12-3 run and never looked back. The unit connected on 24 field goals including two triples and 11 foul shots en route to the huge offensive outburst across the final 20 minutes.

Nicholls connected on 10 field goals in the first quarter to build a nine-point advantage after one frame. The Colonels went on an 11-0 run that spanned across the end of the first quarter that went into the second. Early in the second stanza, Layrn Scott hit a layup that gave the Colonels a 32-16 lead with 8:11 to go in the first half. After that the Wildcats pieced together a 12-0 run to cut the deficit to four with 5:49 to go. The teams traded baskets the rest of the quarter and the Red & Gray led 40-34 at the intermission.

The Red & Gray had five double figure scorers as Jasmine Matthews led the way with 23 points on nine made field goals and five shots from the charity stripe. Jesslyn Jalomo hit six shots including three from long range to finish with 18 points, five steals, and four assists. Sh'Diamond McKnight added 16 points with seven rebounds and five steals.

The Colonels dominated the paint as Marie Kenembeni scored 14 points and finished one rebound shy of a double-double, Scott added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Emani Burks chipped in with seven points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Anyra Wilson stuffed the stat sheet as she dished nine assists with a team-best seven takeaways.

For LCU, Amiya Simpkins led all scorers with 26 as she connected on 12 foul shots, and four triples. Jakiya Thompson dished eight assists while Maddison Carey scored nine points.

UP NEXT
The Red & Gray (4-3) will have two weeks off before opening Southland Conference play at home against UIW (12/16) and HCU (12/18).