THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team led by as many as 11 points on Saturday, but mistakes over the finals minutes resulted in a 65-59 loss to Southeastern Louisiana in Stopher Gym.
 
The Colonels (7-15, 4-8 SLC) controlled the majority of the first half, and lead by 11 points with six minutes remaining in the period, but the Lions (8-16, 5-6 SLC) used a 17-6 run to tie the game at 31-apiece at the break.
 
In the second frame neither team led by more than five points through the first 18 minutes. Nicholls took a three-point advantage at the 16:11 mark, but Southeastern La. responded to take a four-point lead with nine minutes remaining. After a Sam McBeath layup at the 2:57 mark, the game was tied 53-53. The Lions took advantage of three Colonel turnovers and multiple failed Nicholls layup attempts to close on a 12-6 run and steal the victory.
 
Sam McBeath led the Colonels in points (14), rebounds (seven), assists (two) and blocks (two). Richie Lewis snatched a team-leading three steals.
 
DeVonte Upson finished with 12 points to lead Southeastern La. on the offensive end. Zay Jackson dished out six assists and Cedric Jenkins grabbed five boards, both team-highs.
 
Nicholls will hit the road for a 6 p.m. matchup with Stephen F. Austin on Saturday in Nacogdoches, Texas, before returning home to face Northwestern State at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23. Both games 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.