HAMMOND, Texas -- Boasting the team's best league start since the 2017-18 season, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (10-6, 4-1 Southland) enters the team's three-game roadtrip finale in a tie for first atop the conference standings, traveling north to face off against rival Southeastern Louisiana (4-11, 1-3 Southland) at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11 in the University Center.

Statistically, the Red & Gray continue to maintain one of the most highly-disciplined defenses in the conference, ranking third in overall points allowed (66.0) and turnovers forced per game (19.9), second in turnover margin (+5.6) and first in steals per game (11.1), total steals (177) and three point field goal defense (25.3 percent). Individually, Kevin Johnson sets the tone behind the nation's top pickpocket squad, poking away 32 this year alone while four other Colonels own 24 or more.

WHAT: Nicholls at Southeastern Louisiana
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 11 | 4 p.m.
WHERE: University Center | Hammond, 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 24-23 (11-12) 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) 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
Following the conclusion of the three-game roadtrip, the Colonels head back to Stopher for the first time since Jan. 2, hosting in-state foe Northwestern State on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.

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).