HIGHLIGHTS

HUNSTVILLE, Texas – Johnathan Bell scored a game-high 18 points but the Nicholls State University men's basketball team shot 30 percent in the second half against Sam Houston State and were out rebounded by 21 as the Colonels suffered their first conference loss, 74-61, Saturday night at Johnson Coliseum.
 
Bell was one of four Colonels (9-7, 2-1 SLC) to reach double figures, joined by Stevie Repichowski (13 points), DeAndre Harris (12) and Ja'Dante' Frye (10). Bell also led the team with eight rebounds and four assists.
 
After the teams played to a 32-all tie at the break, Sam Houston (11-6, 2-2 SLC) used back-to-back 3-pointers to gain some separation at 55-48 midway through the second half. Bell hit a couple of 3s to keep Nicholls in the game, but missed free throws by the Colonels and some clutch shooting from Sam Houston lifted the Bearkats to a 13-point victory.
 
Despite five blocks in the first half by Liam Thomas, the Colonels struggled inside for the game with a 48-27 disadvantage in rebounding. Sam Houston grabbed 16 boards on the offensive glass compared to just four for the Colonels and turned them into 16 second chance points.
 
Josh Delaney led Sam Houston State off the bench with 14 points while Dakarai Henderson and Jovante' Spivey scored 13 each.
 
Repichowski had a big first half for the Colonels, hitting all three of his 3-pointers before the break. His third 3 of the period came with 16 seconds left to tie the game at 32-32.
 
In the second half, Nicholls was in the bonus after five minutes of play, but was unable to capitalize by connecting on just 10 of 17 at the line and 12 of 21 for the game.
 
Nicholls will continue its road swing with games at Northwestern State (Jan. 12) and Stephen F. Austin (Jan. 14). For the latest news on Nicholls men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_MBB.