THIBOUDAUX, La. - It was a scrappy affair down in Thibodaux as the Lamar University women's basketball team scrapped and clawed to a 52-49 victory over Nicholls on Saturday. On a five-game winning streak, the Cardinals are 10-4 overall and are 4-0 in Southland Conference play.

Four players reached double-figures with Sabria Dean scoring 12 points to lead the way. Akasha Davis tallied nine second half points to have 11 while both R'Mani Taylor and Malay McQueen scored 10 points. The Cardinals shot 38.6% from the field and only 54.5% from the free throw line. But thanks to their defense, they secured 46 rebounds to Nicholls' 31 and held the Colonels to 33.9%.

The first quarter was a defensive battle as LU fell behind 5-4 before responding with an 8-3 run to end with a 12-8 lead. Dean put up six points on three-of-four from the field as the Cardinals converted 46.2% from the field. On defense, LU held Nicholls to only two-of-13 from the field while the Colonels converted three free throws. 

Neither team would hit over 35% from the field in the second quarter as LU stretched their lead to 23-18. But, it started off with an 8-2 run by the Colonels as they took the lead at 16-14. Dean would pick up four points to tie the game at 18. Then, a three by Malay McQueen and a lay-up by Davis brought LU up to a five-point lead. 

Behind four early third quarter points by Davis and Taylor, the Cardinals increased their lead to 31-22. While the Colonels trimmed the deficit to 33-29, the Cardinals were ignited by Davis, who finished with seven in the quarter to be at nine. Both teams started shooting over 60% from the field, but LU held Nicholls to one field goal after their hot start as they led 41-32 after three.

For the first half of the fourth quarter, the Colonels chipped away at LU's lead down to 45-41. However, McQueen answered with a big three-pointer with 2:33 to go that proved to be an early dagger. The Cardinals would make key free throws down the stretch and despite a last-second full-court shot by the Colonels, the Cardinals held on for a 52-49 win. 

Back home this Thursday night, LU will be looking forward to a meeting with Texas A&M-Commerce at 7:00 p.m. 

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