HOUSTON – The HCU women's basketball team fell to Nicholls, 59-43, Thursday evening at Sharp Gym.

Nicholls (12-11, 8-8 SLC) built an early lead and used a decisive third quarter to create separation, while Houston Christian (6-17, 4-12 SLC) closed the game strong in the fourth.

The Huskies (6-17, 4-12 SLC) struck first on a Jordan Jackson layup and kept it close early, tying the game at 9-9 midway through the first quarter following a Madison Hurta three-pointer. Nicholls responded with a late run to take a 16-9 advantage after one and extended its lead to 30-19 at halftime.

The Colonels outscored HCU 15-5 in the third quarter to push the margin to 45-24 heading into the final period. Houston Christian found rhythm in the fourth, shooting 53.8 percent from the field in the quarter and adding 19 points, highlighted by a Grace Booth three-pointer and a fast-break layup from Madelyne Davis. Remi Langmaid added a late three to cap the scoring.

Hurta led the Huskies with 13 points, going 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. Booth added nine points, while Jackson recorded seven rebounds and six points. Davis contributed four points off the bench.

Nicholls finished with 34 points in the paint and 21 points off turnovers. HCU forced 18 turnovers and recorded six blocks in the contest.

HCU returns to action Saturday at home.