NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- The Nicholls State University men's basketball program (14-8, 8-3 Southland) kicks off the month of February with arguably the team's toughest conference test, trekking northwest to Nacogdoches, Texas for a battle against league leader Stephen F. Austin (19-3, 10-1 Southland), tip scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Throughout the season, both the Red & Gray and the Lumberjacks have fought over the title of the Southland's most-harassing defensive program, consistently exchanging places at the one and two spots in total steals, steals per game and turnovers forced per game. Currently, SFA holds the top rank in each of those categories with the Colonels trailing not far behind, boasting second in both total steals (234) and steals per game (10.6) along with third in turnovers forced per game (19.6).

WHAT: Nicholls at Stephen F. Austin
WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 5 | 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: William R. Johnson Coliseum | Nacogdoches, Texas
MEDIA: Live Stats | ESPN+ | 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 28-25 (15-14) 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
With the two-week roadtrip in the books, the Red & Gray head back to Thibodaux for a trio of a home contests within the friendly confines of Stopher Gym, opening that slate against league No. 2 Sam Houston State on Saturday, Feb. 8 at approximately 3 p.m.

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).