THIBODAUX, La. – Despite the renovations that are currently underway, the friendly confines of Stopher Gym will be a welcome site for the Nicholls State University men's basketball team, which hosts Arkansas-Monticello at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday night.
The Colonels (1-5) are coming off of a difficult 89-43 loss to the No. 5 Wisconsin Badgers, but are undefeated on their home floor in two games this year. Nicholls defeated the University of Mobile 92-65, in an exhibition matchup to open the 2014 season and earned a victory over Loyola University New Orleans 89-60, in the first regular-season home contest.
During the regular season the Colonels are averaging 89 points at home, compared to just 56.8 on the road and have held opponents to 60 points in Stopher Gym, while giving up an average of 86 outside of Thibodaux. Nicholls has a +29 scoring margin and +17 rebounding margin at home, compared to a -29.2 scoring margin and -17.2 rebounding margin elsewhere. The team has also shot a much higher percentage in Stopher Gym (54.5) than they have on the road (38.5).
The Weevils (3-4) are coming off of a 74-71 loss to Ouatchita Baptist University on Saturday, and will look to play spoiler against the Colonels on Tuesday night.
Nicholls owns the all-time series 1-0, winning the only matchup between the two programs 91-71, on Dec. 29, 1978.
Amin Torres leads the Colonels offensively, coming off the bench in all six contests this season to average 11.8 points per game.
Sam McBeath paces the squad with 5.3 rebounds per contest, while
T.J. Carpenter and
Richie Lewis each average a team-leading 2.5 assists. Lewis also leads the team in steals per game (2.3), while
Liam Thomas has a team-high 1.3 blocks per game average.
Sharif Hudson is the spearhead of the Weevils squad on both ends of the court, averaging 17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and two steals per game, all team-highs. Cameron Blue leads the team in blocks, averaging two per contest.
The Colonels host Arkansas-Monticello on Tuesday before a matchup with Louisiana Tech at 6:30 p.m. in Ruston. Tuesday's contest will be broadcast live on KQKI 95.3 FM.
Visit geauxcolonels.com for live stats and the most up-to-date information on Nicholls men's basketball.
