BEAUMONT, Texas -- Currently riding a pair of conference victories, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (9-6, 3-1 Southland) aims to maintain solid momentum as the squad hits the midway point of an early three-game roadtrip, heading back west to the Lonestar State for a matchup against Lamar (8-7, 2-2 Southland) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8 in the Montagne Center.

As a team, the Red & Gray continue to push opposing offenses behind a highly-aggressive turnover approach, ranking first in the league in both total steals (163) and steals per game (10.9) as well as third in turnovers forced per game (19.7). Individually, five different Colonels have accumulated 22 steals or more with junior Kevin Johnson breaching the 30 steal mark in this past weekend's contest at Sam Houston State; notably, the Thibodaux native ranks 27th nationally in steals per game (2.31) and fourth amongst fellow Southland competitors.

WHAT: Nicholls at Lamar
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 8 | 7 p.m.
WHERE: Montagne Center | Beaumont, 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 23-23 (10-12) 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
The Red & Gray close out their first major Southland roadtrip with yet another key matchup, taking a short trek north to Hammond, La. for a battle against rival Southeastern Louisiana on Saturday, Jan. 11.

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).