THIBODAUX, La. – After starting the season on the road, highlighted by an season-opening win at Atlantic Coast Conference member Boston College, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team will make its debut at Stopher Gym against Mississippi College on Thursday, Nov. 17 at noon.
 
The special noon game will feature a community service effort by the Nicholls Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. SAAC will be collecting a $5 donation, canned goods or a toy as a fee for entry. The donations will be distributed to local organizations to help families in need.
 
Thursday is the home debut for head coach Richie Riley, who led the Colonels to a 1-1 record in games at Boston College and UCF. Nicholls defeated BC, 79-73, on Friday night before falling at UCF on Monday by 24 points. Bell had a solid showing against the Knights, finishing with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
 
After two games, three Colonels are scoring in double figures, led by graduate transfer DeAndre Harris. In the win at BC, Harris scored 28 points and is averaging 16.5, followed by Johnathan Bell (11.5) and Ja'Dante' Frye (11.5).
 
Mississippi College heads to Thibodaux after nearly defeating Southern Miss double overtime in an exhibition game on Thursday. The Choctaws led in the early going and after trailing by 10 at the break, fought back to send the game into overtime. USM led by five in the second OT and went on to hold one for a 96-95 victory.
 
Antonio Johnson led Mississippi College with 22 points and Stacey Mack had a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
 
Thursday will be the only home game for the Colonels until Dec. 11. Season tickets are now available by logging on to geauxcolonels.com or by calling the Nicholls Athletics Ticket Office at 985-448-4790.