The LSU Lady Tigers (2-2) defeated the Nicholls Colonels (1-3) 65-50 in an in-state matchup that turned friends into foes for 40 minutes.
LSU coach Nikki Fargas and Nicholls State coach Dobee Plaisance have been friends ever since Fargas coached Plaisance’s daughter, former LSU center Theresa Plaisance.
“This game definitely has a personal touch,” Fargas said. “I have a lot of respect for the Plaisances. They are like family. My mom always travels and goes to at least one of Nicholls’ games and I think that is just telling of our connection.”
LSU got off to a strong start in the first quarter, something the Lady Tigers have struggled with this season.
In the first 5 minutes, LSU scored 14 points, which topped the season average of 12 points in the opening quarter. The Lady Tigers took a 23-7 lead at the end of the quarter, after a 6-0 run to end it.
LSU kept that momentum up in the second quarter, as the Lady Tigers scored the first 7 points and held Nicholls scoreless for the first 5 minutes.
The Lady Tigers took a 38-21 lead at the half, but shot just 8-for-17 from inside the free throw line for the quarter.
LSU continued to pull away in the third as freshman center Faustine Aifuwa took control. Aifuwa had all 10 of her points in the quarter.
The Lady Tigers held Nicholls scoreless for over 5 minutes until Nicholls hit a buzzer beater at the end of the quarter to close it a 54-33 lead for the Lady Tigers.
LSU slowed down in the fourth quarter, allowing Nicholls to close it down to a 15 point gap.
The Lady Tigers had four players in double digits with senior guard Raigyne Louis, junior guard Chloe Jackson, sophomore forward Ayana Mitchell joining Aifuwa.
Louis finished with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jackson totaled 10 points and Mitchell added 12 points.
“In the first half, we did a nice job of getting to a strong start and remaining competitive,” Fargas said. “We did some good things in the second half, but we could be better in some areas. The fact that they never gave up, is a real testament to the fighting spirt that have instilled at Nicholls.”
The Lady Tigers will be back in action on Friday when they travel to Las Vegas to take on No. 2 Texas in the South Point Shootout.
