THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team will look to rebound from a tough loss in its opener as the Colonels take on LSU Friday night. Tipoff in the Maravich Center is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Nicholls (0-1) enjoyed an early double-digit lead in Tevon Saddler's coaching debut at Tulane on Monday, but the Green Wave eventually came away with a 91-81 victory. LSU (1-0) earned a win in its opener against Mississippi Valley State, taking down the Delta Devils, 106-60, at home. 

The Colonels had four players score in double figures against Tulane, led by a game-high 24 points from Jamal West Jr. One of six players who made their debut for the Red and Gray, West shot 9 of 12 from the field and was 6 of 6 in the second half.  Diante Smith also scored in double figures in his debut with 11 points and Robert Brown III added eight points in his start.

Mekhi Collins collected a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, the first of his career. In his third season with the Colonels, Collins matched his career high with three blocks. 

Another veteran, Jalen White, poured in 10 points in the first half helped by a pair of 3-pointers. Nicholls made 10 3-balls for the game, shooting at a 36 percent clip.

LSU was paced by Will Baker, who was near perfect en route to 29 points. The Tiger center made 10 of 11 field goals to lead four players in double figures.

LSU holds a 19-1 all-time record in the series, helped by a current three-game winning streak. The lone victory for Nicholls came in 2010. 

UP NEXT
Nicholls will take part in the Jaguar Classic next week, hosted by South Alabama. The Colonels face Denver on Wednesday, South Alabama Thursday, and SIUE on Friday.