Women’s Basketball: Colonels notch first win in thriller at UTEP, 58-56

EL PASO, Texas – The Nicholls State University women’s basketball team jumped out to a 13-point halftime advantage against UTEP, but after surrendering the lead in the fourth quarter, the Colonels gritted out a 58-56 victory Friday night at the Don Haskins Center.

Cassidy Barrios had a game-high 22 points in the win for Nicholls (1-4), but it was the play of the bench that fueled the impressive first half. Barrios connected on just 2 of 8 from the field in the first 20 minutes, but reserves Chrystal Ezechukwu (6 points in the first half), Bree Wilson (5), Lauryn Bowie (4) and Adrian Mann (3) all picked up the slack for a 30-17 lead.

UTEP (2-2) took control of the third quarter with a 23-12 scoring advantage, but the Miners didn’t grab the lead until a 3-pointer by Jordan Alexander with 7:44 on the clock.

With Nicholls down by one, Texas native Heineman hit consecutive 3-pointers for the Red and Gray, giving Nicholls a 50-45 edge. UTEP answered right back with the next five points and headed into the final minute with a 56-55 lead.

Barrios, who came into the weekend averaging seven free-throw attempts per game, did not go to the line until there were 52 seconds on the clock. She calmly sank both for the lead, increasing her percentage on the season to 93.3.

Nicholls then picked up two defensive stops down the stretch, and Bryanna Washington added to the lead with a free throw with 2 seconds remaining. UTEP had one final chance but did not get a shot off.

Barrios turned it on in the second half, making 7 of 11 from the field and finished with eight rebounds and seven assists. Heineman totaled nine on three triples.

UTEP was led by Ariona Gill with 14 points.

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Nicholls will wrap up play in El Paso with a 6 p.m. matchup against Texas Southern on Saturday.