HOUSTON, Texas – The Nicholls State University basketball team will look to build off of an impressive showing at the Las Vegas Classic, as they head to Texas for a seventh-consecutive road game at 1 p.m. on Monday, against the University of Houston.
 
The matchup will be broadcast live on ESPN3.
 
The Colonels (4-8) put forth a solid performance against Colorado in Boulder, before downing Hampton to reach the Las Vegas Classic Upper Division Championship. Nicholls held a halftime lead over Canisius in the championship game, but a late push by the Golden Griffins spoiled the Colonels' hopes of taking home the trophy.
 
The Cougars (9-2) enter Monday's matchup having won four of their previous five games, including an overtime victory at LSU. Houston is coming off of a 94-89 double-overtime win against Wyoming at the Global Sports Classic on Tuesday.
 
Nicholls and UH will meet for just the third time in program history. In their most recent meeting on Nov. 12, 2010, the Cougars edged the Colonels, 63-62, in overtime.
 
Nicholls averages 68.6 points per game, while allowing 81.2. The Colonels shoot 40.2% from the floor and 30.1% from three-point range. Nicholls holds a -9.7 rebounding margin and a +1.0 turnover margin this season.
 
Houston averages 84.8 points per game, while surrendering 71.8. The Cougars shoot 47.7% from the field and 34.2% beyond the arc. Houston maintains a +4.5 rebounding margin and a +3.2 turnover margin on the year.
 
Ja'Dante' Frye leads the Colonels in average points (17.9), boards (6.0) and steals (1.2), while shooting an efficient 48.1% from the floor. T.J. Carpenter paces the squad with 2.8 assists per game, and is second on the team in points (13.7) and rebounds (5.9).
 
Rob Gray Jr. (18.9 points), Damyean Dotson (7.9 boards) and Galen Robinson Jr. (3.7 assists) spearhead the Cougars' attack.
 
Nicholls will open Southland Conference play against Lamar on Jan. 2. The Colonels play their final non-conference game at Memphis on Jan. 5.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.