LAKE CHARLES, La. -- Emboldened by the third-best league start in program history, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (14-7, 8-2 Southland) aims to close out the month of January with yet-another signature victory, traveling west to Lake Charles, La. looking to snap the six-game win streak of in-state rival McNeese (11-9, 6-3 Southland), tip set for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the H&HP Complex.

While the Red & Gray have established a notable defensive reputation within the Southland -- ranked first league-wide in three-point field goal defense (28.4 pct), second in steals per game (10.6) and third in turnovers forced per game (19.5) -- over the course of this season, the Colonels' offensive prowess has left something to be desired, averaging just 67.6 points per game over the opening seven contests of conference play.

Notably, though, Nicholls has managed to pivot the past three matchups, bumping that average up to 82.3 ppg behind strong performances from senior Elvis Harvey Jr. (career-high 24 pts vs. UCA, 22 pts at UNO) and sophomore Lorenzo McGhee (20 pts vs. HBU). With another victory, the Red & Gray will conclude the month riding an 8-1 record with the lone loss coming on a Northwestern State buzzer beater.

WHAT: Nicholls at McNeese
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: H&HP Complex | Lake Charles, La.
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 28-24 (15-13) 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
With the opening pair of a three-game roadtrip in the books, the Red & Gray take a well-deserved weekend off before crossing into the Lonestar State on Wednesday, Feb. 5, squaring off against current league leader Stephen F. Austin in a major Southland matchup, tip scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Nacogdoches, Texas.

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).