THIBODAUX, La. — After winning its last four games by an average of 29 points, Central Arkansas saw its fortunes take a downturn on Saturday as the Sugar Bears fell 68-52 at Nicholls for their first loss in February.

The Sugar Bears (11-13, 6-8 Southland) led early on after a pair of 3-pointers from Antonija Bozic, but the Colonels (16-10, 10-4) seized the lead with 5:05 to play in the first quarter and would hold it the rest of the way – leading for just over 36 minutes in all.

The Colonels led 30-23 at the half, but quickly distanced themselves from the Sugar Bears in the third quarter as they went on a 12-2 run over the first four minutes to extend the lead to 17. In the period, Nicholls was 14-for-14 from the free throw line while the Sugar Bears were just 2-for-4 as Nicholls outscored Central Arkansas 20-12 to take a 50-35 lead into the final quarter.

In the fourth, Nicholls shot 47.6 percent (7 of 15) from the field – their best quarter of the game – to prevent the Sugar Bears from ever seriously threatening.

For the game, the Sugar Bears made just two fewer field goals (18) than the Colonels (20), and made 7 3-pointers to Nicholls' 5; but the difference came at the free throw line, where Nicholls was 23 of 28 (82.1 percent) while the Sugar Bears were 9 of 18 (50 percent).

Kamry Orr had 12 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals for Central Arkansas; while Alanie Fisher added 7 points, 10 rebounds and 3 steals. Freshman guard Shay Johnson added 5 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 23 minutes off the bench.

Nicholls got 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks from reigning Southland Player of the Year Cassidy Barrios, who led four Colonels in double figures. Chrystal Ezechuwaksu added 14 points, 13 rebounds, 3 blocks and a pair of steals.

Next up for the Sugar Bears is a trip to Stephen F. Austin on Wednesday before returning to Conway for the final two games of this Eason in the Farris Center with Abilene Christian visiting on March 2 and Sam Houston State on March 6. The regular season concludes March 9 at Northwestern State.