HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Powered by an energetic all-around performance, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (9-6, 3-1 Southland) contained a highly-athletic Sam Houston State (10-5, 3-1 Southland) throughout a competitive road contest, capturing a key conference victory over the Bearkats behind a 70-58 final score at the Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville, Texas.

Individually, the Red & Gray were fueled by an unprecedented showing from redshirt senior D'Angelo Hunter, who dropped a career-high 19 points off 8-of-13 from the field along with 3-of-7 from long range. Meanwhile, fellow senior Elvis Harvey Jr. continues his strong in-conference play, racking up his third consecutive double-digit performance (14 points) behind a career-tying 4-of-5 from beyond the arc and a pair of free throws.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- For the game, Nicholls finished shooting 42.4 percent (25-of-59) overall, 40.6 percent (13-of-32) at the three-point line and 77.8 percent (7-of-9) from the charity stripe.
-- Notably, Nicholls never trailed throughout the entirety of the game, initially jumping up 3-0 in the opening minute and only facing one tie (3-3 at 18:32 in the first half); after regaining the lead at the 17:57 mark off an Alatishe free throw (4-3), the Colonels managed to maintain an advantage of three or greater for the remainder of the contest.
-- As a program, the win marked the first victory for the Colonels in Huntsville since Feb. 2013.
-- Junior Kevin Johnson wrapped up the team's final double-digit showing, notching 11 points along with a squad-high five assists.
-- On the glass, sophomore Warith Alatishe continues to showcase his versatility down low, pulling down a game-best 11 boards. Harvey Jr. added nine of his own, coming up just one short of a double-double.
-- For the first time in league competition (four games) this season, the first half version of the Colonels outperformed their second half counterparts, shooting a solid 45.2 percent (14-of-31) in the opening period before closing out the final 20 minutes at just 39.3 percent (11-of-28).

UP NEXT
Following Saturday's contest at Sam Houston State, the Red & Gray will turn their attention to the second matchup of the three-game roadtrip, heading west to Beaumont, Texas to battle Lamar on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

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).