SFA Press Conference | Nicholls Press Conference

LAKE CHARLES, La. – SFA staved off a late rally attempt from Nicholls, utilizing double-figure performances from four players to hang on against the Colonels and secure a quarterfinal win in the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

The Ladyjacks advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2021 when they won the title. They will meet the Lamar Cardinals Wednesday afternoon at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

Harmanie Dominquez led the way with 17 points while Faith Blackstone chipped in 16 points and 10 rebounds, including a 10 of 14 clip from the foul line. Trinity Moore poured in 14 and Key Roseby added 12. 

SFA raced out to a 20-9 lead in the opening frame behind the shooting of Roseby who knocked down a pair of early threes. Nicholls would bring the margin to seven before the end of the first quarter. 

Moore, Dominguez and Avery VanSickle kept the 'Jacks steady through the second quarter, seeing their lead grow to as many as 14. Nicholls cut the margin to seven but a Dominguez three ballooned the advantage back to 10 before halftime. 

The No. 3 seed remained in control through the third though the Colonels started to find their momentum. A quick 6-0 spurt fueled by Deonna Brister and Elli Garnett moved Nicholls within seven before the start of the fourth. 

Nicholls saved one last surge for the final 10 minutes. Brister paced the Colonels, bringing them as close as four points on multiple occasions. But SFA kept their opponent at bay to finish off the game, closing on an 8-0 run. 

Brister tallied 17 points and seven rebounds while Garnett had 12 points and six rebounds.