THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team won the battle of the boards, dominated points in the paint and shot a much higher percentage from the floor than Incarnate Word on Saturday night, but Colonel turnovers and missed free throws, coupled with timely shots by the UIW, allowed the Cardinals to secure a 68-61 victory in the Alamo City.
 
With 3:46 remaining in the game, an Adam Ward alley-oop drunk pulled Nicholls (5-17, 1-7 SLC) within four points, but just 22 seconds later Sam Burmeister responded with a dagger three and Incarnate Word (10-8, 5-2 SLC) hung on for the win.
 
The contest was close throughout, and the Colonels led by as many as seven points in the first half before taking a three-point advantage into the break. The Cardinals opened the second period with consecutive made baskets from beyond the arc, and never trailed for the remainder of the night.
 
Nicholls finished with more points in the paint (32-16), rebounds (38-30), bench points (16-11), second chance points (8-7) and blocks (8-2) than Incarnate Word. The Cardinals earned more assists (19-16), steals (6-3) and fast break points (5-2), while converting 13 Nicholls turnovers into 15 points.
 
The Colonels shot 46.2% from the floor compared to just 38.9% by Incarnate Word, but the Cardinals lit it up from three-point range, shooting 42.3% from beyond the arc. Six of Incarnate Word's 11 three-pointers came over the final 20 minutes.
 
Nicholls was its own worst enemy, shooting 38.9% (11-of-18) at the charity stripe. In contrast, Incarnate Word shot 83.3% (15-of-18).
 
Liam Thomas led the Colonels in points (17), boards (nine) and blocks (six). His point and block totals both tied career highs. T.J. Carpenter also scored 17 points, and added seven rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal. Schane Rillieux paced the squad with six assists. Ja'Dante' Frye finished with six points, seven boards and an assist.
 
Mitchell Badillo (19 points), Kyle Hittle (six rebounds) and Derail Green (seven assists) led the Cardinals.
 
Nicholls will drive through the night and arrive in Thibodaux early Sunday morning, before heading to the Big Easy for a battle with New Orleans at 7 p.m. on Monday. The Colonels will look to snap their six-game losing streak and avoid their 14^th consecutive road loss as they take face the in-state rival Privateers.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.