THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball squad had five double-figure scorers in a 94-67 victory over Houston Baptist University Saturday on Broussard Court at Stopher Gym.

Holding a seven-point lead at the break, the Colonels (16-9, 10-2 SLC) outscored the Huskies (5-20, 1-11 SLC) 50-30 in the second half to pull away. Senior Tevon Saddler led all scorers with 22 followed by fellow senior Roddy Peters, who recorded a double-double on 21 points and 12 boards. Seniors Lafayette Rutledge (12) and Jahvaughn Powell (11) and freshman Kevin Johnson (11) also finished in double digits.

"After halftime our guys responded really well," Nicholls head coach Richie Riley said. "Our energy was higher; Our effort was a lot better and our focus was better. The thing I loved most about the second half was how unselfish we were. I thought guys turned down pretty good shots to give their teammates great ones and that's what we want to be about."

Nicholls finished with 18 assists (12 in the second half) to nine turnovers, the team's best assist-to-turnover ratio in a league game this season. Powell provided six helpers and zero turnovers. The Red and Gray shot 57 percent from the floor, 42 percent from long range and 80 percent from the charity stripe.
Saddler totaled 12 first-half points as the Colonels made a late 9-0 run to hold a 44-37 edge at the break.

Nicholls scored 11 consecutive points twice in the second period. The first time increasing its lead to 55-39 and the second ballooning the margin to 30 at 89-59. During that second sequence, Nicholls had three straight steal-and-scores capped by Peters finishes from Powell. The Colonels outscored HBU 32-4 in fast-break points.

"We just wanted to show our growth from a month ago when we played [HBU], execute and play our defensive pressure," Peters said.

The Huskies received 15 points from Ian DuBose and 14 from Edward Hardt.

Winners of eight of its last nine, Nicholls welcomes Sam Houston State to Stopher Gym Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on Eleven Sports.

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.