SAN ANTONIO, Texas – After winning two games in a row, the Nicholls State University women's basketball was beaten 72-66 by UIW inside the McDermott Center on Saturday afternoon.
 
After falling behind by two after 10 minutes, Nicholls (12-12, 8-9 SLC) dominated the second quarter as they hit eight field goals including two triples. The Colonels closed the second stanza with an 8-0 run spearheaded by Marie Kenembeni. The run allowed the Colonels to hold a 32-26 lead at the intermission.
 
The Colonels offense stifled in the third quarter as they shot 35.7% from the floor. UIW capitalized from beyond the arc and the charity stripe as they hit seven triples and 13 foul shots in the second half to complete the comeback. Despite the Red & Gray hitting nine field goals in the final quarter the difference at the free throw line and long range was too much to overcome.
 
Nicholls had four players reach double figures. Kenemebeni led the way with 18 points as she hit seven field goals including two triples and two foul shots. Sh'Diamond McKnight hit six shots and finished with 13 points while Jasmine Matthews and Tanita Swift added 10 points apiece. Swift was also one rebound, and three assists shy of a triple-double.
 
Overall, in a game that featured four ties and eight lead changes, the Colonels did an excellent job protecting the ball as they finished the game with their second fewest turnovers this season (7). On the other end of the floor, they forced at least 19 turnovers for the 15th time this season. The Colonels also dominated points I the paint 42-18 and bench points 30-9.
 
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Nicholls will complete the four-game road swing against Lamar (2/19) and Stephen F. Austin (2/21).