THIBODAUX, La. -- Less than a few days after clinching a first-round in the upcoming SLC Tournament, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (19-10, 13-5 SLC) shifts focus back home for the team's final two contests of the 2019-20 campaign, squaring off against in-state rival New Orleans (8-19, 4-13 SLC) in the backend of a Saturday afternoon doubleheader with women's basketball, tipoff set for approximately 3 p.m. at Stopher Gym.

In this season's first edition of the same matchup, the Red & Gray put together a strong showing against the Privateers, ousting the preseason league favorite by a 77-72 margin at Lakefront Arena. Notably, senior Elvis Harvey Jr. set the tone with a squad-best 22 points as the Colonels shot a season-high 58.2 percent (32-of-55) from the field, shaking off a late UNO rally to lock up the key conference victory.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. New Orleans
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 29 | ~3 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, 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 33-27 (20-16) 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 Colonels close out the regular season with the team's final league rematch of the year, hosting McNeese on Wednesday, Mar. 4 at Stopher Gym before advancing to the Southland Conference Tournament in Katy, Texas the following week.

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).