Kyla Hamilton’s last trip back home didn’t go so well. 

She and her Nicholls teammates were knocked off by McNeese State just one week ago. 

Monday Hamilton ensured that was not her last memory of the Legacy Center.

Hamilton scored 18 points and handed out seven assists to lead the seventh-seeded Colonels to a 73-66 upset of No. 6 New Orleans in the first round of the Southland Conference’s Women’s Championship Monday.

“I didn’t want that to be my last time here,” the senior guard said referring to the loss to McNeese. 

“I can’t wait to play until tomorrow now. I love the gym and am very comfortable shooting here.”

Hamilton should be, she started her career at McNeese before transferring to Nicholls. The Sam Houston High product from Moss Bluff has always played well on her return. 

“I absolutely love it here,” said Hamilton, who had 30 members of her family and friends on hand. “I always have motivation when I come back here.”

Hamilton finished 7 of 15 from the floor and 2 of 7 from long range. 

She is not the only player from the area for Nicholls. Forward Deonna Brister from Lake Arthur had 12 points, 10 during the first part of the deciding third quarter. 

Behind Brister’s play, the Colonels rallied from down three at the half to a 56-45 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Brister finished 4 of 4 from the field, including a three, and made her only foul shot.

“It was great to be playing so close to home and to have my family here supporting us,” said Brister. “Our fans are very supportive. We have like an army with us.”

Brister had some 20 family members on hand. With McNeese State missing from the tournament, Nicholls suddenly has the feel of the home team.

“It definitely does feel like that,” said Hamilton. “This feels like home.”

Nicholls improved to 14-17 while UNO finished the year at 11-19,

Nicholls will play the second game today against No. 4-seeded Southeastern.