THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team will conclude a three game homestand by hosting the University of New Orleans in its annual Stuff Stopher game on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
 
Stuff Stopher perks include the first 50 students will get a free bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cake, cash rewards and gift cards across multiple in game promotions and Raising Canes merchandise.
 
Last week, Nicholls (8-8, 4-5 SLC) dropped a pair of home games against SFA (86-78) and Lamar (72-64). The Red & Gray will be facing UNO for the second time this season. The Colonels beat the Privateers 79-64 on the road 11 days ago.
 
Nicholls ranks third in the SLC in offense and fourth in defense as they score 66.6 points per game while allowing 65.6 points per contest. The Red & Gray defense has been stout this season as they allow teams to shoot 38.9% from the field and forcing 19.94 turnovers per game which ranks second in the SLC and 57th nationally. The Colonels present an aggressive offense as they rank first in the SLC and 26th nationally in free throw attempts and makes.
 
The Red & Gray rely on strength in numbers as they rank 90th nationally in bench points while having five players averaging at least eight points per game. Tanita Swift averages 12.2 ppg followed by Jesslynn Jalomo (10.7), Jasmine Matthews (10.5), Sh'Diamond McKnight (9.9), and Marie Kenembeni (8.3). Emani Burks is one of four players in the SLC averaging over six rebounds and more than one block per game. The Colonels' defense that generates 10.8 steals per (49th nationally) is led by Anyra Wilson who averages 2.63 per game. Wilson is also one of six players in the SLC who have a 1.5 assist to turnover ratio.
 
UNO (1-16, 1-8) also dropped a pair of home games last week against Lamar (72-56) and SFA (85-63). After playing the Colonels on Thursday, the Privateers will play at McNeese on Saturday. The Privateers are led by Shanihya Brown who averages 11.8 points while Brialle Washington and Jayla Kimbrough score 9.4 and 8.4 ppg.
 
The Red & Gray victory over the Privateers earlier this month was the fourth consecutive win in the series and gave the Colonels a 22-21 advantage all time dating back to 1994.