THIBODAUX, La. – Senior Kimani Jackson tallied a career-high 23 points as the Nicholls State University basketball team dominated the University of Mobile, 96-52, Wednesday night at Stopher Gymnasium.

"I was pleased that we put together almost a complete game until we subbed there late," Nicholls head coach Richie Riley said. "Our starters came out to start the game, and we were a little bit uninterested it seemed like. I called a timeout within the first minute of the half. Then, they really stepped up and played the way we're capable of playing. It's encouraging how our defense is improving. We need to continue to build our identity as a team as we go into conference play."

Jackson converted 10-11 field goals and added six boards. Freshman center Ryghe Lyons totaled a career-best six blocks and five assists, contributing mightily to the Colonels' 24-assist effort. The team achieved a season-best 12:5 assist-to-turnover ratio.

"We played together as a team," Jackson said. "That's all it's been – just playing unselfishly, getting each other a basket and continuing to play hard. [The plan] was just being physical – staying physical, playing hard and those 12-day practices prepared us for where we are now."

Also in double figures were seniors Roddy Peters (18), Tevon Saddler (15) and Lafayette Rutledge (14). Saddler has averaged 19.6 points per game during the last five contests.

Nicholls (6-6) jumped out to a 13-0 lead as Jackson padded nine points by the 14:37 mark. That margin grew to as high as 32 after back-to-back 3-pointers by Jahvaughn Powell and Rutledge made the count 57-25 with 1:31 to play in the opening half.

A 15-0 run in the second half that consisted of three Jackson dunks increased the Colonels' advantage to 48, and Peters later hit a layup and a longball to give Nicholls a 51-point edge at the 12-minute mark.

The Colonels held the upper hand in points in the paint (56-30) and points off turnovers (31-4).

Nicholls travels to face Seattle University Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. The contest will be televised by the WAC Digital Network.

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.