HOUSTON, Texas – Kyle Caudill posted his first career double-double, and the Nicholls State University men's basketball team led for the majority of the first period, but a strong second-half performance by Houston Baptist lifted the Huskies over the Colonels, 78-69, at Sharp Gym.
 
Nicholls (5-12, 1-2 SLC) led by six points early in the first half, and held a 21-20 advantage with 5:12 remaining in the period, but Houston Baptist (9-7, 4-0 SLC) went on a 13-4 run over the next five minutes to pull ahead. Caudill closed the frame with a jumper, but the Colonels trailed the Huskies, 33-27, at the break.
 
The Houston Baptist lead steadily grew in the second half, and with 3:28 remaining in the game, the Huskies led by 18 points. Nicholls valiantly fought over the final minutes, closing the contest on a 12-3 run, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
 
The Colonels shot just 38.6% from the floor, compared to 50% by HBU. Nicholls was outrebounded 42-33, and committed 19 turnovers, with only eight assists on the night.
 
Caudill finished with career-highs in both points (11) and rebounds (10), while contributing one block in the loss. T.J. Carpenter led the Colonels offensively with 13 points, while Tre O'Neal dished out a team-high three assists.
 
Anthony Odunsi paced the Huskies with 16 points and five assists, while Josh Ibarra grabbed a team-leading eight boards.
 
Nicholls will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at 7 p.m. on Saturday, before a date with Sam Houston at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.