THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team puts a bow on its three-game road swing Saturday, Dec. 2 as the Colonels take on Louisiana Tech for the first time since 2014. Tipoff in the Thomas Assembly Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.
LA Tech leads the all-time series, 16-2, helped by its current four-game winning streak. Nicholls last made the trip to Ruston nearly 10 years ago and was defeated 79-54.
Nicholls (3-5) is coming off back-to-back losses to nationally-ranked opponents, falling at No. 25 Mississippi State and No. 9 Baylor. Louisiana Tech (5-2) also suffered a setback in its last outing with a 74-65 loss at New Mexico on Wednesday, snapping a five-game winning streak.
In the previous game against Baylor on Tuesday night, Nicholls was able to hang close early before the Bears outscored the Colonels 34-12 the rest of the opening half. Baylor went on to crack the century mark in the 108-70 victory.
The offense had four players score in double figures, led by
Robert Brown III's 17 points.
Micah Thomas scored 16 for the second time in the last three games while
Jamal West Jr. (15 points) and
Byron Ireland (11) rounded out the scoring leaders.
With a month remaining in nonconference play, West ranks among the leaders in the Southland in several categories. The Baltimore native is the SLC's fourth-leading scorer at 17.9 points per game while ranking sixth in rebounds (7.8) and assists (3.4). He leads the league in blocked shots (1.8) and made free throws (42) and is second in field goal percentage (.557).
LA Tech looks to rebound after its first loss since a season-opening setback at Colorado State. The five-game winning streak included victories over nearby rival ULM and two wins in its own multiple-team event over Southern Utah and Southland preseason favorite McNeese. The other two wins were lopsided decisions against non Division I programs.
The Bulldogs feature a 1-2 scoring combo of Isaiah Crawford and Daniel Batcho. Crawford leads the team with 15.6 points per game while Batcho is averaging a double-double with 13.0 points and 10.0 rebounds. Batco's best performance was a 17-point, 13-board outing in the win over Dillard.
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Nicholls will have the week off before returning on Saturday, Dec. 9 to host Elizabeth City as part of a women's/men's doubleheader. Tipoff for the men's game is scheduled for 3 p.m.
