SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The Nicholls State University basketball team never gained any traction against the preseason Mountain West Conference favorite, San Diego State, falling 84-47, on Thursday night.
 
The Colonels (3-4) dug a hole early and the Aztecs (7-4) piled on, leading by as many as 37 points at Viejas Arena. Nicholls was no match for San Diego State's roster of NBA-talent athletes, but never backed down, challenging the Aztecs until the final whistle.
 
After suffering multiple upset losses in a rocky start to the season, SDSU was determined to make a statement on Thursday night. The Aztecs never took their foot off the gas, and even launched three shots over the final 19 seconds in an attempt to expand their margin of victory.
 
The Colonels entered the game shooting 41.9% as a team, but were ice cold against San Diego State, due in large part to the Aztecs' highly touted defense. Nicholls was held to just 24.6% from the floor and 18.2% from three-point range for the game. In contrast, SDSU, not known for their offensive prowess, came out hot, shooting 48.3% from the field and 40% beyond the arc.
 
The Aztecs won the battle of the boards, 36-25, while securing a 28-5 edge on points off turnovers and a 38-14 advantage on points in the paint.
 
Ja'Dante' Frye was held well below his scoring average, but finished with his second double-double of the season, totaling 12 points and a career-high 11 rebounds in the loss. Frye also paced the Colonels with two assists, while Liam Thomas contributed a team-high three blocks. No other Nicholls player scored in double digits.
 
Jeremy Hemsley (20 points), Winston Shepard (10 boards) and D'Erryl Williams (four assists) led SDSU in the victory.
 
Nicholls will next face an 11-day road trip, beginning with a matchup against North Texas at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.