THIBODAUX, La. – Junior Danny Garrick poured in a career-high 19 points Wednesday as the Nicholls State University men's basketball team suffered its first home loss of the season, 90-69, against Lamar University at Stopher Gym.

"Give Lamar credit – they controlled the game from start to finish," Nicholls head coach Austin Claunch said. "I just thought we never had control of this game. They completely controlled the game. Coach Price did an unbelievable job of having those guys ready to go and they completed slapped us in the face and we had no answer for it."

The Colonels (10-11, 3-5 SLC) connected on just one shot in the first 4:52 of the game as the Cardinals (10-11, 3-5 SLC) built an early 13-3 advantage. Sophomore Kevin Johnson drained a triple at the 4:24 mark to bring Nicholls within three at 33-30, but Lamar quickly answered with a 12-0 run that was capped by a Christian Barrett 3-point play. Johnson closed the half on a buzzer beater that cut the deficit to 13.

The Cardinals added four early free throws to balloon their advantage to 17. The Colonels were able to come within nine on a 10-2 spurt that was started and finished by a Ryghe Lyons layup. Nicholls closed the final 13:03 just 8-for-21, four of which were Garrick 3-pointers, and Lamar made 15-of-16 free throws during that stretch to seal the win.

The free throw discrepancy in the second half was 22-2 favoring the Cardinals. Lamar outrebounded the Colonels 39-22 and doubled their points in the paint (40-20).

Graduate transfers Jeremiah Jefferson and Gavin Peppers finished in double figures with 15 and 11 points, respectively.  Johnson was phenomenal off the dribble, dishing out seven assists and committing zero turnovers.

The Cardinals starting five all contributed double digits, spearheaded by Josh Nzeakor's 26 points.

Nicholls hopes to snap its four-game losing skid Saturday at Southeastern Louisiana. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Get your season or single-game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. For the latest news on Nicholls men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_MBB.