THIBODAUX, La. (Interstat) — Nicholls State used a dominant first half to defeat Houston Christian 70-47 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at Stopher Gym. The Colonels built a 38-19 halftime lead and never looked back.

Marie Kenembeni led Nicholls State with 21 points and three blocks. Tanita Swift and Jesslynn Jalomo each added 14 points for the Colonels, who improved to 5-4 overall. Grace Booth scored 11 points for the Huskies, who fell to 4-5.

A crowd of 575 watched the Southland Conference contest. Nicholls State shot efficiently from the field while holding Houston Christian to just four points in the second quarter to secure the victory.