CONWAY, Ark. -- In yet-another well-balanced offensive performance bolstered by four double-digit scorers, the Nicholls State University men's basketball program (6-5, 4-1 SLC) orchestrated the team's fourth consecutive Southland Conference victory, sliding past Central Arkansas (3-10, 2-3 SLC) by a narrow two-point margin, 74-72, Saturday afternoon at the Farris Center.

Despite securing solid advantages in each period -- as large as 10 points in the first half (11:47) and seven in the second (9:37) -- the Red & Gray allowed UCA to claw back into the game throughout, never managing to completely put the Bears away. Notably, however, the Colonels composed an effective 13-1 run midway through the second period, upending Central Arkansas after the Bears had taken control at halftime with a 15-7 run of their own.

The final stretch proved a barn burner as Nicholls fought to hold onto a slim lead for nearly five minutes, swatting away three separate occasions where the Bears closed the matchup down to within one possession.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
-- On the day, Nicholls finished shooting 43.8 percent (28-of-64) from the field, 30.3 percent (10-of-33) from the three-point line and 66.7 percent (8-of-12) at the charity stripe.
-- For just the second time this year, veteran senior Kevin Johnson paced the Red & Gray on the scoreboard behind 5-of-13 shooting performance from beyond the arc, racking up 17 points in a tie of his season-high. The four-year starter also added in a pair of assists along with two steals.
-- Meanwhile, redshirt junior Ty Gordon flirted with his second-straight double-double as the Troy transfer notched 11 points and nine assists, not to mention a team-best six boards. Notably, Gordon secured his 10th double-digit scoring game of the year by the skin of his teeth, sinking a pair of free throws in the final seconds to break the plateau.
-- Fellow redshirt junior Najee Garvin continued his streak of excellence on the scoreboard as well, posting 16 points to go along with a team-best six rebounds. The South Carolina native has now recorded four consecutive plus-15 point showings.
-- Once again, redshirt senior Andre Jones rounded out the double-digit scorers with another under-the-radar performance, picking up 12 points with three assists on the day.

UP NEXT
With the midway point of the three-game trek wrapped up, the Colonels turn their attention to the road swing finale at HBU on Wednesday, Jan. 20, tipoff set for 7 p.m. in Houston, Texas.

STAY SOCIAL
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