THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team concluded its three-game home stand with a 67-49 victory over the University of New Orleans in the annual Stuff Stopher game on Thursday night.
 
Nicholls (9-8, 5-5) never trailed and led by as much as 25 to get back over .500 on the season. The Colonels complete the regular season sweep of UNO and earn their fifth consecutive victory over the Privateers. The Red & Gray now lead 23-21 in the all-time series dating back to 1994.
 
The Colonels offense go out to a great start as they hit 14 field goals in the first half to generate a 35-24 lead at the intermission. The Colonels were relentless inside as they scored 24 of their first half points in the paint. Marie Kenembeni and Emani Burks used their size inside to hit nine shots and combine for 22 points across the first 20 minutes.
 
After the efficient first half, the Red & Gray kept the momentum rolling into the second half as they opened the third quarter on a 9-3 run to build a 44-27 lead halfway through the frame. Eight different Colonels recorded a point in the third quarter as they doubled the Privateers 18-9 to lead 53-33 heading into the final frame. Both teams
 
Nicholls played stout defense throughout the contest as they forced 19 turnovers including 10 steals. Additionally, UNO shot 31.1% from the floor and the Colonels won rebound battle by 12 (49-37).
 
10 different Colonels scored as Kenembeni eight shots as she scored 20 points to lead the way. Burks finished with her first double-double on the season as she added 10 points and hauled in 10 rebounds. Tanita Swift and Jesslynn Jalomo, and Reese Hoadley chipped in as they finished with six points apiece.
 
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The Red & Gray will hit the road to face Southeastern in Hammond on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m.