Berkeley, Calif. -- The Nicholls State University men's basketball program (2-2, 0-0 SLC) put together a competitive effort in Monday evening's non-conference battle at California (2-1, 0-0 PAC-12), but a second consecutive uneven overall shooting performance allowed the Golden Bears to clinch a 60-49 victory at the Haas Pavilion in Berkely, Calif.

While the Red & Gray returned to their usual aggressive selves on defense -- racked up 10 steals while forcing 20 overall turnovers -- the offensive woes continued as the team concluded the night shooting just 33.3 percent (20-of-60) from the field while drawing just six overall free attempts. The Colonels also surrendered 18 turnovers and were uncharacteristically matched in points scored off turnovers (19-to-19) despite making major improvements in both total rebounds (37-to-38) and offensive boards (12-to-9) compared to Saturday afternoon's loss at Santa Clara.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- For the game, Nicholls finished shooting 33.3 percent (20-of-60) from the floor, 31.6 percent (6-of-19) from long range and 50.0 percent (3-of-6) at the free throw line.
-- Redshirt senior Andre Jones made his season debut for the Colonels after sitting out the initial three games with a minor injury, adding a much-needed spurt on the offensive end as he notched nine points, four rebounds and three assists across 20 minutes of action.
-- Individually, redshirt junior Najee Garvin continued to showcase his extreme athleticism as the South Carolina native posted team-highs in both points (15) and rebounds (9), once again coming within one board of a double-double.
-- Fellow redshirt junior and reigning SLC Player of the Week Ty Gordon pushed back into double figures after picking up just nine points this past Saturday at Santa Clara, dropping 12 with four rebounds and two assists.

UP NEXT
With the Bay Area tour currently split 2-2 for the Red & Gray, Nicholls aims to close out the season-opening roadtrip on a high note, matching wits against mid-major power Saint Mary's on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m. CST in Moraga, Calif.

STAY SOCIAL
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