THIBODAUX, La. -- Despite a Northwestern State buzzer beater handing the Colonels their first loss of 2020 earlier this week, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (11-7, 5-2 Southland) looks to push past the one-point stumble and refocus on the the final two matchups of the home stand, squaring off against Central Arkansas (5-13, 4-3 Southland) in the backend of a doubleheader with the women's squads, tipoff scheduled for approximately 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Stopher Gym.

Even with the recent loss, the Red & Gray continue to rank as one of the league's top defensive programs, leading the Southland in total steals (201), steals per game (11.2) and three-point field goal defense (.263 pct) as well as sitting at second for scoring defense (65.9) and turnover margin (+5.8). Individually, both junior Kevin Johnson and sophomore Warith Alatishe have proven true ball hawks, leading the team with 35 steals apiece, while redshirt junior Andre Jones trails just behind at 31 on the year.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. Central Arkansas
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 18 | ~3 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, Texas
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch \\ ESPN3 | 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 25-24 (12-13) 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
The Red & Gray shift focus to their final home game of January, hosting Southland opponent HBU on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. before heading back on the road for a trio of league contests.

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).