Women’s Basketball: Colonels handed 78-65 setback at Lamar

BEAUMONT, Texas – The Nicholls State University women’s basketball team fell behind by 19 points at the break thanks to 11 first-half 3-pointers by Lamar, and a late comeback effort came up short as the Colonels were defeated, 78-65, Wednesday night in the Montagne Center.

The loss put Nicholls at 11-9 overall and 5-3 in league play. Lamar improved to 15-4 and 8-0 while extending its home winning streak to 38 games.

Cassidy Barrios and Tykeria Williams each poured in 21 points and connected on three 3-pointers for Nicholls. But the Colonels had no answer for LU’s hot shooting from outside, which consisted of an 11-of-20 first half. The Lady Cardinals cooled off the rest of the way, making just 2 of 13.

It was a competitive first quarter with Lamar holding a 22-17 lead after 10 minutes of play. The 3-point barrage, combined with 12 Colonel turnovers, allowed Lamar to extend their advantage to 48-29 at the intermission. LU used an 18-2 run over a five-minute stretch to grab the commanding lead.

Lamar, which leads the nation in steals, had only 10 for the game but caused 21 turnovers. It made way for a 23-4 differential in points off turnovers.

Nicholls made a late push in the fourth quarter when Chrystal Ezechukwu scored inside to put the score at 74-63 with 1:51 remaining. But LU answered with the next two buckets to end the threat and remain perfect in conference.

Ezechukwu added eight points and 11 rebounds for the Colonels. Barrios was 6 of 13 from the field and 3 of 5 from 3-point range and came up two rebounds shy of her 14th double-double. Nicholls was nearly perfect at the free throw line, making 23 of 24 attempts.

Lamar was led by freshman Miya Crump with a game-high 22 points, while Moe Kinard scored 21.

UP NEXT
The Colonels will head to Southeastern Louisiana Saturday, Feb. 2 for a matchup against the Lady Lions. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and the game will air on ESPN3.

TICKET INFO
Get season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. For the latest news on Nicholls women’s basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_WBB.