PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Following a nearly upset-worthy performance Tuesday evening at Illinois, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (0-1, 0-0 Southland) quickly shifts focus to the team's second consecutive major test of the young 2019-20 campaign, traveling north to challenge ACC powerhouse Pitt (1-0, 1-0 ACC) on Saturday morning, tipoff scheduled for 11 a.m. CT at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

After nearly toppling Big Ten contender Illinois, the Colonel offense looks primed to upend yet-another of the college basketball old guard, leaning on notable showings from seniors G Dexter McClanahan & F Elvis Harvey Jr. for primary point production (41 combined at Illinois). Junior G Kevin Johnson added a team-high seven assists with four steals while sophomore Warith Alatishe handled the glass, pulling down a squad-best 10 rebounds against the Fighting Illini.

WHAT: Nicholls at Pitt
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 9 | 11 a.m.
WHERE: Petersen Events Center | Pittsburgh, Pa.
MEDIA: Live Stats | ACCNX | Watch

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts

• Austin Claunch enters his second season at the helm for the Red & Gray, and current sports a 14-18 (7-11) overall record with the Colonels.
• The team boasts five seniors: G D'Angelo Hunter, G Tom Clement, G/F Brandon Moore Jr., G Dexter McClanahan & F Elvis Harvey Jr.
• This year's roster is highlighted by five newcomers, as redshirt senior G D'Angelo Hunter (West Virginia), redshirt junior G Andre Jones (Arkansas-Little Rock) & redshirt senior G Dexter McClanahan (Savannah State) all became eligible following transfers from fellow collegiate programs while sophomore G Lorenzo McGhee (Columbia State CC) climbed aboard via a JUCO program & freshman G Tyrease Terrell signed on directly from high school. On the bench, senior F Jaylen Fornes (UNC-Wilmington), redshirt sophomore F Najee Garvin (Charlotte), redshirt sophomore G Isaac Johnson (Western Illinois) & redshirt sophomore G Lafayette Dorsey (Pacific) will sit out due to NCAA Transfer Restrictions.
• This season's depth chart features four players from across the state of Louisiana, three from Georgia, a pair from Texas and one from each of the following: Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Minnesota & California.
• The Colonels were projected to finish 11th in the Southland Conference, per the league's preseason poll.
• Nicholls returns two of last season's five starters, including junior G Kevin Johnson & senior G/F Brandon Moore Jr.

UP NEXT
With the season-opening two-game roadtrip concluded, the Red & Gray head back south to Thibodaux to tip off their home schedule, hosting Paul Quinn College on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. in Stopher Gym.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Men's Basketball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_MBB), Instagram (@geauxcolonels) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).