THIBODAUX, La. – After earning a pair of victories last week, the Nicholls State University women's basketball team will look to keep the momentum rolling in road games at Northwestern State (1/29) and East Texas A&M (1/31).
 
Last week, Nicholls (10-8, 6-5 SLC) picked up victories over in state rivals New Orleans (67-49) and Southeastern (69-66) to get back over .500 in league play. The wins were highlighted by Marie Kenembeni who was the first Colonel this season to be named Southland Conference Player of the Week.
 
Kenembeni had an outstanding week as she averaged 20.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 75% (15-20) from the field in the Colonels' two rivalry wins. She made both of her 3-point attempts, shot 9-12 from the charity stripe and added two assists and a steal. 
 
Nicholls ranks third in the SLC in offense and fourth in defense as they score 66.8 points per game while allowing 64.7 points per contest. The Red & Gray defense has been stout this season as they allow teams to shoot 38.4% from the field and forcing 19.7 turnovers per game which ranks second in the SLC and 61st nationally. The Colonels present an aggressive offense as they rank first in the SLC and 28th nationally in free throw attempts and makes.
 
The Red & Gray rely on strength in numbers as they rank 76th nationally in bench points while having five players averaging at least nine points per game. Tanita Swift averages 11.1 ppg followed by Jesslynn Jalomo (10.4), Jasmine Matthews (9.5), Sh'Diamond McKnight (9.8), and Kenembeni (9.6). 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 10.7 steals per (51st nationally) is led by Anyra Wilson who averages 2.44 per game. Wilson is also one of eight players in the SLC who have dished at least 55 assists.
 
Northwestern State (9-9, 6-4 SLC) is currently on a two-game slide as they dropped contests across state lines at UIW (66-53) and Stephen F. Austin (70-63). The Lady Demons opened the calander year with a nail biting, low scoring win over the Colonels in Thibodaux (50-46). NSU is led by Vernell Atamah and Nya Valentine who average 18.4 and 12 points per game.
 
East Texas A&M (7-10, 3-7 SLC) is currently on a four-game losing streak after falling to HCU (65-52) and Lamar (66-56) on the road. The Lions will host New Orleans on Thursday before ending the month against the Colonels on Saturday. ETAMU is led by Tiani Ellison and Reza Po who average 14.6 and 13 points per game.