Feb. 1, 2007

THIBODAUX, La. - Despite a career-high 35 points and 11 rebounds by freshman Brittney Williams, the Lamar University women's basketball team could not overcome an offensive explosion by Nicholls State, who handed LU a 95-90 loss in Stopher Gymnasium Thursday night.

Trailing by five at halftime at 48-43, the Lady Cardinals could not put together a series of defensive stops to take control of the game. Nicholls was able to build as much as a 12 point lead on several occasions before the Lady Cards began to chip away.

Williams took over in the post for Lamar, as Nicholls had no answer for the 5-11 forward who was 9-14 from the field in the second half.

Lamar, who fell to 9-11 on the season and 4-3 in Southland Conference play, closed to within three points with 87-83 with 1:56 to play, but could not stop Nicholls from scoring down the stretch.

The Lady Cardinals defensive struggles were evident early on as Nicholls' Claire Barry scored 14 of her 18 points in the opening 20 minutes, while knocking down 5-6 shots from the field. The Lady Colonels used the offensive spark to stake a 48-43 lead at the break.

Lamar was led by Dionne Pounds 18 first half points, as the senior knocked down four of her five three point attempts. Williams also netted double digits in the opening 20 minutes, scoring 12.

Along with Williams's career-best scoring performance, the Lady Cards received 25 points from Pounds and 10 points from Quiana N'Joku.

Nicholls was led by Jaime Octave's 28 points, while Barry added 18 points. Katherine Plummer and Funaki Kef also came up big for the Lady Colonels, scoring 17 and 15 points.

As a team the lady Cardinals out rebounded Nicholls 37-31, and out shot the Lady Colonels 53.8 percent to 50 percent. Nicholls knocked down 22 of 32 free throws, while the Lady Cards were 14-19 from the charity stripe.

Lamar will close out the week against Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Montagne Center.