LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team nearly erased a 17-point deficit Wednesday but was ultimately upended 86-75 by McNeese State University at the Health and Human Performance Complex.

The Colonels (10-8, 3-2 SLC) were unable to grab the lead in the first half as the Cowboys (6-12, 2-3 SLC) used an early 10-0 run to jump out to a 15-5 lead. Back-to-back triples by sophomore Kevin Johnson sparked eight consecutive points, bringing Nicholls within two.

McNeese countered with seven straight when graduate transfer Gavin Peppers sank two treys and Johnson found another to cut the deficit back down to two at 24-22. The Cowboys received two trifectas from Kevin Hunt and a fadeaway trey at the buzzer via Roydell Brown to maintain a 41-34 advantage at the break. McNeese held a 25-13 margin in rebounding, including 10-0 on the offensive end.

The Colonels connected on 11-of-13 shots over a 7:55 stretch in the second half that put Nicholls within one at 72-71, but Brown had another answer, tallying six straight capped by a triple from the top of the arc. The Colonels made just one of their final 10 shots, allowing the Cowboys to make free throws and seal the win.

Peppers finished with a team-high 20 points followed by fellow graduate transfer Jeremiah Jefferson and Johnson with 16 apiece. Junior Brandon Moore Jr. neared adouble-double with nine points and 10 boards.

Brown contributed a career-high 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting. McNeese had five double-figure scorers. The Cowboys outscored Nicholls 50-26 in the paint.

The Colonels look to end their road woes Saturday when they battle UCA in Conway at 4 p.m.

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.