Women’s Basketball: Colonels win fifth straight with 66-58 victory over New Orleans

THIBODAUX, La. – For the second straight game, a dominating early start was all the Nicholls State University women’s basketball team would need as the Colonels won for the fifth consecutive time by defeating New Orleans, 66-58, Saturday at Stopher Gymnasium.

With the win, Nicholls improved to 18-10 overall and more important, 12-4 in the Southland to stay tied for third place. The victory also gave the Colonels their second straight sweep over the Privateers (11-15, 7-10 SLC) and pushed their winning streak in the series to five games.

Senior guard Cassidy Barrios was outstanding once again for the Southland Tournament defending champions, pouring in 24 points on 8 of 14 from the field while adding nine rebounds and six steals. Barrios put the exclamation point on the opening quarter with a 3-pointer, giving Nicholls a 21-6 advantage.

The 3-ball was part of an impressive 19-0 run for the Colonels that resulted in a 23-6 lead early in the second quarter. Nicholls held UNO without a single point for seven-and-a-half minutes.

The Colonel lead stayed at double figures until the fourth quarter when UNO brought it to five with 3:30 remaining in the game. Nicholls put the game away with four free throws and an Airi Hamilton layup down the stretch as they improved to 10-1 at home.

Nicholls had three players reach double figures, with Hamilton missing just one field goal to finish with 14 points. Chrystal Ezechukwu, who had a career-high 18 in the last outing against New Orleans, chipped in with 12 points off the bench.

UNO was led by Vaquela Pimpton with 14 points.

UP NEXT
Nicholls will head to Natchitoches for its final road game, taking on the Northwestern State Lady Demons. Tipoff on Wednesday, March 6 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

TICKET INFO
Get 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.