NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Nicholls State University women's basketball team was beaten 77-57 by Stephen F. Austin inside William R. Johnson Coliseum on Saturday afternoon.
 
Nicholls began the game on fire on both ends as they forced five turnovers and led 9-3 with 4:22 to go in the first quarter. Sh'Diamond McKnight carried the offense early as she hit four shots including a triple to score nine points in the opening quarter. However, SFA closed the opening 10 minutes on a 12-6 run to tie the game at 15 heading into the second stanza.
 
The Colonels' offense slowed down in the second quarter as they shot 30% from the field while committing five turnovers across the second frame. SFA connected on eight field goals and the Colonels closed the quarter with zero made field goals the final 2:33 of the quarter. Nicholls trailed 33-29 at the intermission.
 
Following a back and forth first half that featured four ties and four lead changes, Nicholls' offense struggled in the third quarter as they hit just three field goals while the Ladyjacks hit 10. The Colonels were outscored 24-11 in the frame and trailed 57-40 heading into the final quarter. The Ladyjacks hot shooting continued and they shot 50% in the fourth to keep the Colonels at bay.
 
The Colonels generated 17 points off 21 forced turnovers were led offensively by McKnight and Marie Kenembeni who had 11 points apiece. Jesslynn Jalomo added nine points while Reese Hoadley scored a season high eight points. Jasmine Matthews chipped in seven points.
 
SFA had four double figure scorers and shot 52.6% from the field. Harmiaine Dominguez led the way with 18 points followed by Key Roseby (16), Ashlyn Traylor-Walker (11) and Aziyah Farrier (10).
 
UP NEXT
Nicholls will close the regular season with a three-game home stand against McNeese (2/26), Southeastern (2/28), and East Texas A&M (3/3).