NACOGDOCHES, Texas – While still perfect at home, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team came up empty in its two-game road swing as the Colonels were defeated by Stephen F. Austin, 80-60, Saturday night at William R. Johnson Coliseum.
 
The second-straight loss away from Stopher Gym put the Colonels at 9-9 overall and dips their Southland record to under .500 at 2-3. Although Nicholls captured wins on the road at Boston College and Samford early in the season, their road mark now stands at 2-9.

SFA improved to 8-9 on the season and 2-3 in league play, while extending its home conference winning streak to 41 games.
 
Nicholls had trouble on offense in the loss, shooting 33 percent from the field, 5 of 19 from 3-point range and had 21 turnovers. However, the Colonels used a 10-run to close out the first half to trail 38-30 at the break.  
 
But as quickly as the Colonels were able to make it a game, it was just minutes into the second half that SFA pushed its lead back to 19. The 'Jacks knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to fuel a 13-2 spurt and Nicholls was never able to recover.
 
Johnathan Bell paced the Colonels with 17 points and four steals, while Jahvaughn Powell had 14 points and Ja'Dante' Frye finished with 13. Almost a third of the Colonels points game from the free throw line as they shot 19 of 30 on the night.
 
SFA, led by 17 second-half points from T.J. Holyfield, shot 55 percent for the game and hit nine 3-pointers at a 50 percent clip. The 'Jacks also had several turnovers, 20, but dominated inside with a plus-18 advantage in points in the paint.
 
Nicholls will play its next two contests at home, starting with its annual Stuff Stopher game on Thursday, Jan. 19. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on the American Sports Network.