Nicholls Game Notes | Watch | Listen | Live Stats | Tickets

SEATTLE – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team looks for its second road win over a Western Athletic Conference opponent this season when it faces Seattle University Saturday at the Connolly Complex. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (PT).  

Fans can watch the game on the WAC Digital Network or listen on 100.3 FM with Voice of the Colonels, Bryant Johnson, on the call.

The Colonels (6-6) most recently triumphed 96-52 over Mobile (Ala.), marking their fourth win over an NAIA opponent this season. Nicholls topped UTRGV in its season opener, 111-106, as its first WAC victory, and head coach Richie Riley is ready for the Colonels final challenge before Southland Conference play begins.

"We had a 12-day practice stretch without playing where we really improved," Riley said. "Our guys came in – and we're dedicated to getting better. They knew we needed to. I think we've played one of the toughest schedules in the country. I think we've played four teams that are probably going to be NCAA Tournament teams. We're growing into being the best team that we could be."

That improvement was evident at Tulane as Nicholls held as much as a 20-point lead in the second half before a 7-minute cold spell marked a 76-69 defeat. The Colonels have really stepped up defensively, holding their last four opponents to 64.5 points per game despite a season average of 82.2.

Nicholls altered its lineup in the last three contests, seeing leading-scorer Roddy Peters (18.5 ppg) come off the bench while installing freshman Ryghe Lyons into the starting five. Lyons' defensive prowess and ability to feed the ball was evident against the Rams as he totaled a career-high six blocks and five assists.

Another freshman who has seen an increased role is Kevin Johnson. The Thibodaux native, inserted into the starting lineup in eight consecutive games, boasts a league-best 2.8 assist-to-turnover ratio. Jahvaughn Powell (3.0 steals per game), Tevon Saddler (2.3) and Johnson (2.3) have formed a defensive nightmare for the opposition, lifting the Colonels to the fourth-most steals per game (11.7) in Division I.

Saddler is averaging 19.6 points per game over the last five contests, a stretch that includes three performances with 20 or more.

The Redhawks (8-6), in the middle of a nine-game home stretch, are 4-0 at the Connolly Complex this season. Seattle U is averaging 80.0 ppg, which ranks second in the WAC, fronted by All-WAC second teamer Matej Kavas (18.4 ppg).

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.