NATCHITOCHES, La. -- Bolstered by a three-game win streak, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (17-9, 11-4 SLC) aims to shore up the team's current position as the second overall seed in the Southland Conference Tournament as the league enters the final quarter of the regular season, squaring off against rising contender Northwestern State (12-12, 9-6 SLC) on Saturday evening, tipoff set 6:30 p.m. at Prather Coliseum.

The Demons serve as the first conference opponent thus far the Colonels will be unable to sweep, as NSU grabbed the first matchup of the home-and-home behind a fadeaway three-pointer at the buzzer. In that contest, a 73-72 loss for the Red & Gray, Nicholls saw five different players work their way into double figures, including a career-best 18-point performance from sophomore Warith Alatishe along with a strong showing from seniors Elvis Harvey Jr. (15 pts) and Dexter McClanahan (14 pts). 

WHAT: Nicholls at Northwestern State
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 19 | 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Prather Coliseum | Natchitoches, La.
MEDIA: Live Stats | Watch | Listen / 100.3 FM ESPN New Orleans

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 31-26 (18-15) 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.
• 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 remain on the road for the next two contests, traveling to the league's northernmost member, Central Arkansas, for a weekend doubleheader with the women's squad on Saturday, Feb. 22 before heading back south to battle HBU in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

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).