NATCHITOCHES, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team trailed by 15 points at intermission, but put together a miraculous second-half comeback to secure a lead with just over six minutes remaining in the contest. Liam Thomas had his best outing of the season and Ja'Dante' Frye scored 15 second-half points, but Northwestern State held on for an 81-67 win on its home floor in front of a national television audience.
 
The Colonels (7-21, 3-11 SLC) committed 15 turnovers over the first 20 minutes of acton on Monday, allowing the Demons (8-17, 5-10 SLC) to gradually pull away for a comfortable halftime lead. Just when it looked like NSU would cruise to victory, Nicholls stormed back.
 
The Colonels opened the second period with a furious 27-12 run, punctuated by a number of high-energy plays. Adam Ward had two monstrous dunks and Frye completely took over the game, scoring eight points in the first six minutes of the second half. With 8:41 remaining in the contest, Frye drilled a three-point basket. On the ensuing inbounds play, Tre O'Neal stole the ball from Zeek Woodley and found Frye for a dunk, tying the contest at 57 apiece. Moments later, a pair of Johnathan Bell free throws put Nicholls on top, 61-60, but the Demons punched back. Turnovers plagued the Colonels over the final 6:18, and Northwestern State took advantage, outscoring Nicholls, 21-6, to close out the ballgame.
 
The Demons scored 29 points off of 29 Colonel turnovers.
 
L. Thomas finished with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, while shooting 85.7% from the field. In addition to his team-high 15 points, Frye had four boards, two assists and a steal, while shooting 62.5% from the floor and 50% from beyond the arc. Bell led Nicholls with a career-high nine rebounds, and added 11 points, four assists and two steals. Ward contributed nine points, two blocks and two boards, while shooting 4-for-5 on the night.
 
Woodley (23 points), Sabri Thompson (six rebounds) and Devonte Hall (four assists) paced NSU.
 
The Colonels will travel to Lake Charles for a date with McNeese State at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Nicholls then returns home for a matchup against New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 29.
 
For the most up-to-date information on Nicholls basketball, visit geauxcolonels.com.