ABILENE, Texas -- After downing Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in record-breaking fashion earlier this week, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (7-5, 1-0 Southland) aims to roll that same momentum into the team's conference road opener at Abilene Christian (6-5, 1-0 Southland), traveling west into the depths of Texas to face off against the Wildcats, tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Moody Coliseum.

The Red & Gray enter the league tilt on a major high note, as Wednesday night's historic comeback victory over the Islanders set a new school and conference record for largest second half rally (down 21 points at 17:06 remaining). Moving forward, the Colonels look to maintain a similar energy against the defending Southland Conference Tournament Champions, and will seek to utilize the squad's variety of defensive advantages -- ranked first in the league in both total steals (135) and three-point field goal percentage (25.6 percent) as well as second in steals per game (11.3) and turnover margin (6.9) -- in the tough road venue.

WHAT: Nicholls at Abilene Christian
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 21 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Moody Coliseum | Abilene, Texas
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch | Listen

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Roster | Schedule | Quick Facts (PDF)

• Austin Claunch enters his second season at the helm for the Red & Gray, and currently sports an 21-22 (8-11) 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
After wrapping up the matchup at Abilene Christian, the Colonels return to Louisiana for a much-deserved holiday break, taking an 11-day hiatus from competition before hosting UIW on Thursday, Jan. 2 back at 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).