NEW ORLEANS – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team held a 20-point lead in the second half before a 7-minute, 11-second scoring drought ultimately resulted in a 76-69 loss to Tulane University Monday at Fogelman Arena.

"In a game playing a really good team like Tulane you have to be able to make those shots," Nicholls head coach Richie Riley said. "We didn't tonight and that's where the lead got away from us. I didn't feel the nerves from our team. We just didn't make shots. When you're playing a team like them that can really get out in transition and make you pay when you don't make shots – it's hard."

Saddler knocked down two free throws to put the Colonels ahead 59-45 when Tulane scored 20 consecutive points. Nicholls went without a field goal for 10:46 as the Green Wave made their comeback. Tulane's Jordan Cornish tallied nine of his team-high 18 points during the scoring barrage.

The Colonels' (5-6) high-pressure defense forced 13 Green Wave turnovers (8-3) in the first half. Nicholls scored the first seven points of the game before back-to-back free throws and a layup by Jackson increased the margin to 18-4. Nicholls took 31 shots in both halves but converted 19 in the first as opposed to just eight in the second.

Senior guard Tevon Saddler tied a career high with 24 points, now scoring at least 20 in three of the last four contests. The Aberdeen, Maryland, native also grabbed nine boards, one short of a double-double. Senior center Kimani Jackson surpassed his career high, adding 16 points on an efficient 5-10 outing from the field.

The Colonels return home to Stopher Gymnasium to face Mobile (Ala.) Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled to 7:05 p.m. CT.

Get your season or single game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. To stay up to date with Nicholls men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_MBB.