THIBODAUX, La. – Continuing their daunting non-conference schedule, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team will fly to Madison for a showdown with No. 5 Wisconsin at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Kohl Center.
 
The Colonels (1-4) snapped a four-game skid with a decisive 89-60 victory over Loyola University New Orleans on Saturday to earn their first win of the young season. The Badgers (9-1) were ranked as high as second in the nation before an 80-70 loss to No. 4 Duke on Dec. 3, but have since rebounded with wins over Marquette, 49-39, and Milwaukee, 93-54.
 
The matchup between Nicholls and Wisconsin is the first in the history of the two programs.
 
The Colonels are averaging 66 points per contest, while surrendering 80.8 through five games. Nicholls has shot 42.7 percent from the floor and just 29.8 percent beyond the arc, while allowing 45.6 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from three-point range. The team has also taken less than half (72) of the amount of free throws that their opponents have (149) and enters Saturday's matchup with a -10.8 rebounding margin.
 
Despite some early struggles, the Colonels have done an admirable job of limiting turnovers, and are currently ranked 15^th in the nation for fewest total turnovers. Nicholls has also done well at taking the ball from its opponents, led by Richie Lewis who is ranked 10^th in the nation in steals per game at 2.8.
 
In order for the Colonels to compete against one of the top teams in the country, they must be aggressive on the offensive end, drawing fouls and getting quality looks. Nicholls must also take advantage of opportunities by knocking down open looks and shooting a higher percentage at the charity strike. Most importantly, the Colonels must keep the battle of the boards close against one of the tallest and most physical rebounding teams in the country.
 
The Badgers are a stout defensive squad, ranking eighth in the nation in points allowed at just 52.6 points per game. They are disciplined on defense, at seventh in the nation in fouls per game with a 14.1 average. Wisconsin takes care of the ball, averaging just 8.8 turnovers per contest (fourth in the nation) and the team is efficient on the offensive end, ranking 10^th in the nation in points per possession at 1.15.
 
Amin Torres leads Nicholls on the offensive end with 11.4 points per game, while Ja'Dante Frye and T.J. Carpenter average 10.6 and 10.4 points respectively. Lewis paces the squad with 2.8 assists per contest and Sam McBeath is the team leader in rebounds, averaging 6.0.
 
Preseason AP All-American and preseason Big Ten Player of the Year Frank Kaminsky is the catalyst for the Badgers, averaging 16.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game, all team-highs. Kaminsky also contributes 2.1 assists per game, good for second on the team, while shooting a blistering 53.9 percent from the floor. Traevon Jackson paces the squad with 2.9 assists per contest, while Nigel Hayes is second on the team in both points (11.7) and rebounds (7.6).
 
Nicholls will battle No. 5 Wisconsin on Saturday before returning home to face Arkansas-Monticello on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
 
Saturday's contest will be broadcast live on KQKI 95.3 FM and can be viewed on the Big Ten Network.
 
Visit geauxcolonels.com for live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls men's basketball.