WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Colonels defeat HBU, 63-45, for third-straight victory

THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls State University women’s basketball team held HBU to a season-best 27.4 percent from the field for the defense as the Colonels won their third-straight game, defeating the Huskies, 63-45, Saturday afternoon in Stopher Gymnasium.

Nicholls improved its record to 11-12 overall and 6-6 in the Southland, sweeping the season series against the Huskies. With the loss, HBU fell to 6-16 and 2-10.

The Colonels shot 38 percent for the game, but the defense picked up 15 steals and held HBU to 17 of 62 from the field and 1 of 15 from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Nicholls was perfect at the line, hitting all 16 attempts.

Junior guard Cassidy Barrios recorded her 12th double-double of the year, scoring a game-high 21 points while adding 10 rebounds. Barrios, who ranks third in the Southland in free throw percentage, was flawless at the stripe with a 10-for-10 day. She also added four assists, four steals and blocked four shots, tying the program’s second-season record of 33 blocks.

Tykeria Williams added 13 points and hit two 3-pointers, Tia Charles scored 11, and Marina Lilly finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter, making only seven field goals as the game was tied at 8-8. But in the second, the Colonels grabbed a 22-14 advantage when Williams knocked down a 3-pointer. Right before the break, Barrios hit one from downtown as Nicholls led 25-16 at the half.

Nicholls cruised in the third quarter, outscoring HBU, 24-14. The Colonels had a 9-0 run, with Lilly scoring four points, and doubled up the Huskies at 36-18. The lead was never less than 12 points the rest of the way.

Williams and Charles also chipped in on defense, tallying three steals each. Lilly and Destiny Collins had two steals apiece as Nicholls recorded double figures in steals for the 17th time this season.

HBU was led by Lauren Calver, who had a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Colonels hit the road for their next two, playing Sam Houston State (Feb. 14) and Central Arkansas (Feb. 17) in the upcoming week.