THIBODAUX, La. -- With a tough mid-season roadtrip officially in the books, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (14-9, 8-4 Southland) returns to the friendly confines of Stopher Gym aiming to snap a two-game losing streak, hosting league No. 2 Sam Houston State (15-8, 8-4 Southland) in the team's first rematch of the conference slate, tip set for approximately 3 p.m. following the conclusion of the women's contest.

Earlier this year, the Colonels managed to upstage the Bearkats on the road at Johnson Coliseum, powering past the SHSU in a key early-season 70-58 victory. Individually, seniors D'Angelo Hunter (19 points, five boards) and Elvis Harvey Jr. (14 points, nine boards) impressed while junior Kevin Johnson posted a solid game himself, picking up 11 points with five assists.

WHAT: Nicholls vs. Sam Houston State
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 8 | ~3 p.m.
WHERE: Stopher Gym | Thibodaux, La.
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 28-26 (15-15) 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 Colonels remain at home for the next week, facing off against Lamar on Wednesday, Feb. 12 before hosting rival Southeastern Louisiana in yet-another doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 15.

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).