THIBODAUX, La. – Despite a career-high 24 points from senior Tevon Saddler, the Nicholls State University men's basketball squad fell to the University of Idaho, 79-68, Sunday night at Stopher Gymnasium.

This is Saddler's second consecutive game with at least 20 points and eighth contest in double figures. Senior guard Roddy Peters finished with 21 points to up his double-digit scoring streak to nine games. Senior Kimani Jackson contributed nine points and a career-high 13 boards.

The Colonels (4-5) ended the game with a 44-36 advantage in the paint but shot 1-20 from three-point range. Nicholls' high pressure defense forced 15 Vandal turnovers.

Idaho (5-2) had four scorers in double figures, including Brayon Blake who converted a double-double with 23 points and 14 rebounds. He was followed by Victor Sanders (15), Nate Sherwood (11) and Perrion Callandret (10).

The Colonels' lone trey came on the first shot of the game, a heave by senior Jahvaughn Powell that set off a 7-0 run. Lifted by Blake's 14 first-half points and an eight-point spurt, the Vandals took a 40-34 advantage at the break.

Saddler knocked down a jumper with five seconds left in the opening half. That momentum carried into the second half as Nicholls scored the first 10 points to take a 44-40 edge. Saddler's layup at the 7:24 mark tied the contest at 60, but 10 consecutive Idaho points allowed the Vandals to pull away. Peters scored 13 of his 21 points in the second half.

The Colonels have two weeks off for final exams and conclude their home stretch against Culver-Stockton (Mo.) on Dec. 16.

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.