THIBODAUX, La. – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team suffered a 64-48 setback to Abilene Christian University Wednesday on Broussard Court at Stopher Gym.

The Colonels (11-13, 4-7 SLC) were stymied offensively, shooting a season-low 29.6 percent from the field. Sophomore Kevin Johnson fronted the squad with 15 points despite making just 3-of-11 attempts. The Thibodaux native was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Graduate transfer Jeremiah Jefferson contributed nine points and six rebounds.

The Wildcats (20-5, 9-3 SLC) received a team-high 15 points from Jaren Lewis, followed by Jalone Friday's 12 and B.J. Maxwell's 11. Jaylen Franklin piled the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds and eight assists.

Nicholls managed just 16 points in the opening half as a Jefferson 3-pointer was the only bucket for the home side in the first 3:33, allowing ACU to build an early 10-3 lead. Johnson later drained a jumper before the Colonels missed 11 consecutive shots, allowing for a 9-0 Wildcats run over the next 7:27 to increase the advantage to 12 at 17-5.

Following Danny Garrick's trey at the 9-minute mark, the two sides tallied 11 points apiece for the remainder of the half. Garrick and Jefferson were the only two Nicholls scorers during that stretch.

The Colonels were only outscored by two in the second period, but an 8-2 ACU run ballooned the score to 48-28 with 11:12 to play. Nicholls responded with 11 of the next 16, capped by a Garrick triple, to cut the deficit to 14, but the Red and Grey converted just two field goal attempts in the final five minutes as the Wildcats secured the win.

Nicholls travels to face Houston Baptist Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 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.