THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team will begin Southland Conference play by hosting UIW (12/16) and HCU (12/18) inside Stopher Gym this week.
 
Nicholls (4-3) was solid during non-conferences action as the squad picked up victories over Alcorn, MVSU, LCU, and Louisiana. The Colonels are led by three double figure scorers as Jesslynn Jalomo leads the way with 12.4 followed by Jasmine Matthews (11.9), and Sh'Diamond McKnight (11). Anyra Wilson paces the offense with 3.9 assists per game while leading the team with 2.3 steals per game. Emani Burks is a force inside as she hauls in 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.
 
UIW (2-5) played stout competition in non-conference action that included matchups against two top 10 nationally ranked teams. The Cardinals picked up wins over St. Thomas and St. Mary's University and will play New Orleans on Dec. 18 to wrap up the week. Jorja Elliot leads the team in scoring with 11.9 per game. Raimi McCrary leads the unit with 7.5 rebounds while Madison Cockrell dishes 5.3 assists per game.
 
HCU (4-4, 2-0 SLC) began league action with victories at New Orleans and at home against Southeastern. Like the Colonels the Huskies are led by three double digit scorers. Kamryn McLaurin leads the unit with 14 ppg followed by Grace Booth (13.8), and Jordan Jackson (10.8). Booth and Jackson lead the team with 9.1 and 6.4 rebounds per game, respectively. Tove Ceasar leads the unit with 3.3 assists per contest.
 
The Colonels trail the all-time series against UIW 10-8 dating back to 2014 and the road team has won the last four meetings. HCU is the lone 2-0 team in SLC action, and the Colonels lead the all-time series 13-7 dating back to 2014 including wining the last four meetings.