NEW ORLEANS, La. – It was a contentious affair the last time Nicholls State University men's basketball met up with the University of New Orleans back on Feb. 2 in Stopher Gym. The Colonels are set for a regular-season sequel on Monday at 7 p.m., this time on the Privateers' home court in The Big Easy.
 
Nicholls (7-18, 4-11 SLC) and New Orleans (9-15, 5-10 SLC) have had a tough go with a pair of inexperienced squads this year. The programs have a total of just two seniors on active rosters in the 2014-15 season and are in a fight for seeding at the Southland Conference Tournament.
 
Not a single Colonel is averaging double-digit points for their career, and that lack of offensive experience has been visibly evident for Nicholls. The Colonels are averaging just 62.8 points this season, shooting 42.8 percent from the floor, 27.9 percent from three-point range and 62 percent at the free throw line. Nicholls has been outrebounded by an average of 1.9 boards per game and has a -2.7 turnover margin.
 
Despite struggles offensively, the Colonels have had success on the defensive side of the ball. Nicholls has held opponents to 72.7 points, 44.6 percent from the floor and 36.2 percent from beyond the arc, while forcing 14.1 turnovers and grabbing seven steals per contest. The Colonels have routinely held opponents to below their season averages and have had success stifling some of the top players in the conference.
 
T.J. Carpenter leads Nicholls offensively, averaging two assists and a team-high 10.5 points. Sam McBeath paces the squad with 6.5 rebounds and Richie Lewis dishes out a team-leading 2.5 assists per game.
 
Gill Christavious spearheads the UNO offense with 12.3 points per contest. Kevin Hill grabs 6.6 boards per game and Nate Frye tosses 2.8 assists per contest, both team-highs.
 
Nicholls will take on New Orleans Monday night, before hosting Central Arkansas for Senior Day at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. 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.