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THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team will look to right the ship with the help of an anticipated capacity crowd as the squad faces in-state rival Northwestern State for its annual Stuff Stopher game at 6:30 p.m. on Monday.
 
The Colonels (5-15, 1-5 SLC) have dropped four consecutive contests, including a disappointing 94-83 loss at the hands of Central Arkansas on Saturday. In each of Nicholls' last three games, the team has trailed by double-digits in the second half, only to make a valiant comeback but come up just short. In order to down a dangerous NSU squad on Monday, the Colonels will need to start strong and sustain their energy for the full 40 minutes.
 
The Demons (3-14, 0-7 SLC) were picked to finish second in both Southland Conference preseason polls, receiving a combined five first-place votes, but the landscape of the league and the game plan for Northwestern State dramatically changed when preseason first-team selection, Jalan West, sustained a season-ending injury. Arguably the most talented player in the conference, West averaged 20.0 points, 7.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game last season and was a three-time all-defensive team honoree. Despite the significant loss, the Demons have rallied around their other preseason first-time selection, Zeek Woodley, who currently leads the Southland in average points (22.0). And while Northwestern State has yet to earn a league win, the Demons are a more than capable squad, dangerously looming on the upcoming schedules of conference opponents.
 
In a rivalry that dates back to 1959, Northwestern State owns a 63-40 advantage in the all-time series against Nicholls. The Demons have won five straight games against the Colonels, and swept the two-game series last year. Northwestern State picked up an 80-51 victory on Jan. 26 in Natchitoches, before defeating Nicholls, 79-57, on Feb. 23 in Thibodaux.
 
The Colonels average 67.4 points and allow 80.4. Nicholls shoots 40.1% from the floor and 30.1% from three-point range, while surrendering 47.6% and 31.9% respectively. The Colonels have a -9.1 rebounding margin and a -1.4 turnover margin this season.
 
The Demons average 76.4 points and give up 86.4. Northwestern State shoots 44.8% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc, while allowing 47.6% and 33.3% respectively. The Demons have a -8.9 rebounding margin and a -1.6 turnover margin on the year.
 
Ja'Dante' Frye leads Nicholls with 15.7 points and 5.4 boards per game. T.J. Carpenter averages a team-leading 5.5 rebounds, and is second on the squad in average points (13.0) and assists (2.6). Schane Rillieux tosses 2.7 assists and Liam Thomas blocks 1.7 shots per game, both team-highs.
 
In addition to being the Southland's leading scorer, Woodley pulls down 5.1 boards to lead Northwestern State. Devonte Hall dishes out 5.7 assists per game to pace the squad.
 
The Colonels will next make the long drive down I10 to for a matchup against Incarnate Word at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday in the Alamo City, before returning closer to home for a battle against New Orleans at 7 p.m. on Monday.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.