NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team jumped out to an early 6-0 lead against in-state rival New Orleans on Monday, but the Privateers outscored the Colonels 39-15 over the remainder of opening period, and cruised in the second for a 74-53 victory.
 
Nicholls (5-18, 1-8 SLC) opened the game with a ton of energy, desperately fighting for its first road win in 332 days. Midway through the first half the Colonels led 17-15, but New Orleans (8-12, 4-5 SLC) closed out the frame on a 24-4 run and took a 39-21 advantage into the break.
 
Nicholls continued to scrap in the second period, but each time the Colonels appeared to pick up momentum, the Privateers closed the door.
 
Nicholls committed 30 turnovers with only seven assists on the night. The Colonels were cold from beyond the arc, shooting just 18.8% (3-for-16).
 
Kyle Caudill led Nicholls with 11 points, while Adam Ward grabbed 10 boards and two steals to pace the squad. Liam Thomas registered five blocks and Johnathan Bell tossed three assists, both team-highs.
 
Christavious Gill (17 points) and Nate Frye (four rebounds) led the Privateers. Four different New Orleans players recorded multiple assists.
 
The Colonels host McNeese at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, before a matchup with Incarnate Word at 6:30 p.m. on Monday in Thibodaux.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.