What can you expect when national power LSU collides with NSU

History was made last Tuesday night inside of Stopher Gymnasium.

For the first time in Nicholls women’s basketball history, the Colonels hosted national power LSU n a team that has advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament seven times since 2000.

With hype surrounding the game, many fans for both sides didn’t know what to expect.

After the final buzzer sounded on LSU’s 88-35 win, we now have some answers:

Homecoming n The LSU game was a big one in that it pitted mother and Nicholls coach DoBee Plaisance against her daughter, LSU freshman Theresa. The mother coached like No. 24 in purple was any regular opponent. The daughter played like she has her whole life n scoring 8 points in just more than 10 minutes of action. After the game, the family shares a hug n signifying an end to Tuesday’s emotional night.

“She just told me she loves me,” Theresa said. “And after the end of a pretty emotional game, I really needed that hug.”

A full house n A crowd of 1,531 turned out for the game n a number that was easily a season-high for the Colonels. There was about a 50/50 blend of Colonels red and LSU purple and gold on this night, as they celebrated the historic night together, staying throughout the game, despite the lopsided score.

“I think this is good for basketball,” said LSU coach Van Chancellor, the man who signed off on the game. “To come in here like this, they had a great crowd.”

Leadership n Sure, the outcome of the game wasn’t what DoBee Plaisance or the Nicholls team wanted. But late into the game with no chance to comeback, the Colonels starters kept fighting away to try and improve. K.K. Babin recorded 40 minutes in the game, while Alisha Allen and Ricshanda Bickham each played 38 or more minutes.

Toughness n LSU is always one of the scrappiest teams in America. The Colonels’ defense found that out the hard way as Taylor Turbow puts the ball up in traffic.

Enthusiasm n With Theresa Plaisance serving as one of LSU’s top reserves, she channeled her energy in a different way against Nicholls n by being one of the team’s biggest cheerleaders.

“My teammates are such great players,” Plaisance said. “Sometimes I watch them play and wonder ‘How will I ever be able to get in?’ I do my best to support them all game long.”

Friendships n DoBee Plaisance credits Chancellor with being one of the best coaches in the history of basketball. Chancellor credits DoBee Plaisance as being one of the up-and-coming coaches in the South. The two friends share words before the game and express their mutual respect.

“Van Chancellor is an absolute legend in the world of women’s basketball,” Plaisance said. “And he’s also been very fair to Theresa and has welcomed her with open arms. We’re grateful for the opportunity he’s given us to host his team and for what he’s done for Theresa.”