THIBODAUX, La. - Similar to last year's matchup with Towson, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team saw itself in a defensive battle with the Tigers but once again the Colonels came up short, falling 70-64 Wednesday night in Stopher Gymnasium.

Nicholls (2-4) led early in the first half before a 14-3 run put Towson (3-2) up for essentially the rest of the way. A steal and layup by Trae English tied the game with four minutes remaining but the Colonels could never retake the lead.

Down four after a Tomiwa Sulaiman three-pointer, Nicholls answered with an old-fashioned three-point play when Byron Ireland made a layup and was fouled. Towson followed with two free throws and after Brian Myles scored inside, Ireland came up with a steal but had his layup blocked by Sulaiman.

Dylan Williamson, who scored a game-high 26 points for the visitors, then delivered a jumper to put Towson back up by three with a minute to go and the Tigers went on to secure the six-point victory.

Ireland was the lone Colonel in double figures with 24 points on 8 of 16 from the field. His two three-pointers sparked an early 16-12 Colonel lead.

Nicholls had just four three-pointers on the night (4 of 18) with English sinking the other two. His first three came at the buzzer before the half to cut the deficit to 38-35.

Despite the off night behind the arc, Nicholls finished at 41 percent from the field. The defense held Towson to 36 percent but the Tigers connected on 10 three-pointers and were plus-9 in rebounding.

For the Colonels, Jamal West Jr. and English both scored nine points and West added two blocks. Caleb Robinson chipped in with eight points and six rebounds. 

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Nicholls will host Mississippi College on Monday, Nov. 25. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.