Jan. 5, 2009

Box Score

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls used a 17-0 run through the end of the opening half to take a 44-22 lead to the lockerroom and an eventual 80-56 victory over Southern-New Orleans in the final non-conference game of the season Monday night in Stopher Gym.

The Colonels (7-6) will now enter Southland Conference play with a winning record for the first time since the 1994-95 season.

Freshman Fred Hunter (Denton, Texas/Denton) established a new career high, pouring in 27 points as he went 11-for-13 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from downtown.

Hunter, along with sophomore Dominic Friend (Geelong, Australia/St. Joseph's), led Nicholls with six rebounds.

Also reaching double figures was senior Ryan Bathie (Melton, Australia/Mowbray), who picked up 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting.

Senior Justin Payne (Opelousas, La./Opelousas), who entered the game ranked 59th in the nation in steals per game with 2.2, grabbed four steals.

After entering the game as the No. 37 team in the country in assists per contest (16.2), the Colonels passed out 18, led by sophomore Kellan Carter (Fresno, Calif./Edison) with six.

Nicholls shot 58.8% (30-for-51) from the floor, sinking 17-of-27 (63.0%) in the opening 20 minutes.

"We're pleased to be 7-6 and excited about getting conference play underway," said Head Coach J.P. Piper. "I'm really proud of what we've accomplished up to this point, but we need to continue to build on it and continue to make progress going into Saturday and get league play underway."

The Colonels will open Southland Conference play this weekend, traveling to Natchitoches to face Northwestern State in a doubleheader with the women's team.

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