Cain posts career-high in Nicholls loss at Alabama A&M

NORMAL, Ala. – Sophomore Chelsea Cain scored a career-high 26 points and recorded her first double-double of the season, but another slow start by the Nicholls State University women’s basketball team led to a 67-61 loss at Alabama A&M Wednesday afternoon.

Nicholls finished its non-conference schedule with a 1-6 record after dropping its last five contests. It was the first meeting with Alabama A&M, which improved to 2-1 on the season.

Cain scored 16 after the break as Nicholls outscored Alabama A&M by four in the second half, but a sluggish start was once again too much to overcome. The Colonels trailed 22-11 after the first quarter and have been outscored by 54 points in the opening period this season.

Despite falling behind early, Nicholls came back to make it a five-point game at 35-30 with two minutes until halftime. Bryanna Washington, who had 11 points, scored the final field goal for the Colonels before Alabama A&M closed out the quarter with a 6-1 run for a 10-point halftime lead.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to as much as 16 in the third. Over the final 10 minutes, Nicholls trimmed the deficit to eight twice but could not complete the comeback. Chyna Allen hit a late 3-pointer to make the final.

Cain finished 10 of 18 from the field and had 11 rebounds for the second career double-double. Nicholls shot 43 percent for the game after hitting just 5 of 17 from the field in the first quarter. Alabama A&M was the opposite, shooting 45 percent overall but made only 3 of 14 in the fourth.

Cain and Anna McKendree accounted for two-thirds of the Colonels’ scoring in the first half. McKendree scored all 11 of her points before the intermission and added six rebounds and four assists.

The Bulldogs were led by Elexis Evans with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Dariauna Lewis also had a double-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks.

UP NEXT
Nicholls will open Southland Conference play on Saturday, Jan. 2 as they host Sam Houston State. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN+.

SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets are now available by visiting Nicholls Ticket Central or calling the ticket office at 985-448-4790. New this season, fans have the option to purchase the Geaux BIG RED ticket package which will cover all home basketball, football, and baseball games.

FOLLOW THE COLONELS
For the most up-to-date news on Colonel women’s basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB and Instagram @Nicholls_WBB.

Follow Nicholls Athletics on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and subscribe to the official YouTube channel (Nicholls Athletics).