THIBODAUX, LOUISIANA – Nicholls closed the first half on a 21-2 run against visiting University of the Incarnate Word en route to a 67-34 Southland Conference win in women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at Stopher Gym.

The Cardinals (5-14, 2-6) trailed the Colonels (10-10, 6-3) just 16-10 with 11:28 remaining in the first half after a jumper by Yvonne Maosa (Mansfield/Mansfield HS).  What followed was the worst stretch of the season for UIW.  Nicholls held the Cardinals to a pair of free throws over the remainder of the half and took a 37-12 lead into halftime.

Maosa finally stopped the streak without a basket for UIW when she made a layup less than a minute into the second half.  Unfortunately, it was too late for the Cardinals to get back into the game.

The Cardinals shot 16.0 percent from the field in the first half and just 26.9 percent for the game.  They went 0-for-8 from three-point range and they were 6-of-12 from the foul line.  Melina Merritt (Round Rock/Cedar Ridge HS) led the team with 11 points.  Jazmine Holman (Arlington/Arlington Bowie HS) added seven points and nabbed six steals.

The Colonels shot 51.1 percent from the field, made an incredible 11-of-17 from three-point range and were 8-of-12 at the foul line.  Jenny Nash led the team with 14 points, three assists and three steals.  Taylor Morrison added 12 points while Shay Arnick chipped in with 11 points.  They pulled down 14 more rebounds than the Cardinals, but they committed four more turnovers.

The Cardinals and Colonels will meet again on Wednesday in San Antonio at 6 p.m.
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