RUSTON, La. - For the fourth time this season, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team held the opposition to less than 40 percent shooting, but the Colonels struggled on the offensive end as well as Louisiana Tech handed Nicholls a 68-55 loss on Saturday afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center. 

Nicholls (3-6) led just once at 3-2 in the opening minutes before Louisiana Tech (6-2) used a quick 8-0 spurt to create some space. The Colonels hung around and made it a three-point game on a Jalen White three-pointer before halftime, but again the Bulldogs answered with the halve's final five points.

Following the break, Tech pushed the advantage to double figures before another White three-pointer made it 48-42 with over 11 minutes remaining. The Bulldogs countered with a 9-0 run this time and it was enough to prevent any more comebacks the rest of the day.

White played all 40 minutes and led the team with 16 points. He made 4 of 6 from behind the arc as Nicholls shot 37 percent from long range as a squad. But for the third consecutive outing, the offense was held to below 40 percent shooting from the field (.340).

Oumar Koureissi came off the bench for 10 points and swatted away four shots. He subbed in early after Mekhi Collins picked up two quick fouis and gave Nicholls it lone lead of the day after a basket-and-one. 

Louisiana Tech was led in scoring by Tahlik Chavez with a game-high 20 points. Daniel Batcho posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, helping the Bulldogs to a 47-30 advantage on the glass. Louisiana Tech turned 16 offensive rebounds into a 21-6 margin in second-chance points. 

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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.