UNO’s second half surge falls just short in 66-58 setback to Nicholls

THIBODAUX, La. – The Privateers trailed by as much as 19 with 5:14 remaining in the third quarter, but a late 12-0 run cut the deficit to five versus the defending tournament champion. However, the University of New Orleans (11-15, 7-10 Southland) could not complete the rally versus Nicholls State University (18-10, 12-4 Southland), falling to the Colonels 66-58 Saturday afternoon at Stopher Gymnasium.

Shania Woods posted her 13th double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Asia Woods came off the bench with 12 points and eight rebounds. Asia was 6-of-7 from the field and five of her eight boards came off the offensive glass. Vaquela Pimpton connected on three triples and finished with 14 points and three assists. Dionjhae Thomas swiped three passes.

FIRST QUARTER
A change to the starting lineup jolted the team early as Whitley Larry and Shania Woods tallied a block apiece. Thomas swarmed early and forced a steal to go with her four points, but the Colonels led 7-6 with five minutes remaining. A 17-0 Nicholls run ended the quarter with a 21-6 lead in favor of NSU.

SECOND QUARTER
NSU scored the first points of the quarter but the Privateers chipped away behind their pressure defense as the Privateers made the most of the Colonel turnovers. Asia Woods’ first steal and a third basket of the game made it 29-17 Nicholls heading into the media timeout. However, the Colonels regrouped and closed the half with a 37-19 lead, with 16 points coming off UNO turnovers.

Asia Woods led New Orleans with eight points on 4-of-4 shooting and four rebounds, three on the offensive end.

THIRD QUARTER
A 12-0 run sparked by Asia Woods’ second-chance points and capitalizing on the defensive effort. Pimpton drained a corner triple and Rehema Franklin ended the quarter with a mid-range jumper to cut the Nicholls lead to 48-41 through three. UNO outscored NSU 22-to-11 in the third quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER
The Privateers backcourt of Pimpton and Franklin cut the deficit to five with 3:28 remaining after Franklin found Pimpton for two and Pebbles returned the favor following a steal, finding Heema for the fast break layup.

It was a valiant effort by the Privateers, but the Colonels were able to secure the win 66-58 to sweep the regular season series.

INSIDE THE BOX
Cassidy Barrios finished with 24 points, six steals, nine rebounds, and four assists. In the third, UNO was 9-of-16 from the field, while Nicholls shot 33.3 percent.

NEXT UP
The regular season comes to a close Wednesday at 7 p.m. when UNO hosts Southeastern Louisiana University at Lakefront Arena. Prior to the game, senior Shania Woods will be honored for her contributions to the program.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, @UNOPrivateers on Instagram, like /UNOPrivateers on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.