LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Sh'Diamond McKnight had a season high 29 points in the Nicholls State University women's basketball team's 81-55 victory over UIW in the opening round of the 2026 Southland Conference Basketball tournament.
 
McKnight exploded for 26 points in the second half as she finished with nine made field goals including one triple and was 10-11 from the charity stripe. Her 29 points are the most by a Colonel in the postseason since 2022 when Chyna Allen scored 30 points against UIW.
 
Nicholls started strong and held a 15-6 lead seven minutes into the game before UIW found its rhythm to make the first half a back-and-forth slugfest. The trailed by one at the break (27-26).
 
The Colonels took control of the game in third quarter as they scored 31 points with McKnight outscoring the Cardinals by herself 15-14. The Red & Gray hit 10 shots in the third and were a perfect 11-11 from the foul line to hold a 57-41 advantage heading into the fourth. The final frame was a similar story as the Colonels shot 50% from the field and connected on nine foul shots to keep the Cardinals at bay.
 
The Red & Gray were stout on both ends of the floor as they forced 19 turnovers and generated 11 steals which led to 25 fast break points. Anyra Wilson and Tanita Swift hit five field goals apiece and finished with 14 points and 10 points respectively. Jesslynn Jalomo connected on three triples to add nine points while Sanaiya Morris had seven points. Laryn Scott had four points and matched Swift's team high five rebounds.
 
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Nicholls will play No. 3 SFA on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:30 p.m.