SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Three Colonels scored in double figures, led by
Devante Carter with 14 points, as the Nicholls State University men's basketball team hung on for a 63-60 win at UIW Thursday night in the McDermott Center.
Nicholls (14-9, 5-2 SLC) led by as much as 21 in the second half before UIW (4-19, 0-6 SLC) rallied back to make it a one-possession game in the final minute. Trailing 63-60 with 30 seconds remaining, the Cardinals got a steal before
Ryghe Lyons blocked a shot out of bounds. UIW then put up a 3-pointer at the buzzer that fell well short and the Colonels escaped with their third straight road win.
Carter paced a trio of Colonels scoring in double figures with 14 points, and was followed by Lyons with 12 and
Ty Gordon with 10. Nicholls shot 45 percent from the field in the win, but a season-high 20 turnovers allowed UIW to stay in the game.
Nicholls led the entire night after jumping out to a 7-0 advantage, but did not create separation until right before halftime. Leading 34-31 with four minutes to go, the Colonels ended the period on a 12-0 run. Lyons contributed with the first six points, then Carter followed with two layups. Gordon was able to break free for a layup right before the buzzer for a 46-31 lead.
In the second half, Gordon put Nicholls ahead by 20 after hitting back-to-back 3-pointers. The largest lead came at the 12-minute mark when
Manny Littles drained one from long range, putting the visitors ahead 56-35. Littles finished with eight points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
But the Colonels ended the game on a drought. Littles scored inside with five minutes to go for a 63-51 lead and UIW then chipped away. Nicholls had four turnovers during the stretch and missed all three field goal attempts.
Nicholls held UIW to 38 percent from the field but the Cardinals were a perfect 17 of 17 at the free throw line. RJ Glasper led three Cardindals in double figures with 13 points.
UP NEXT
Nicholls returns home for the next four games, starting Thursday, Feb. 10 with a rematch against UIW. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
