THIBODAUX, La. - An Ike Cornish three-pointer gave the Nicholls State University men's basketball team a four-point edge with six minutes remaining in its home opener against South Alabama, but the visitors closed out the game by outscoring the Colonels 15-5 as Nicholls fell 70-64 Friday night on Broussard Court at Stopher Gymnasium.

Down six in the final minute, Cornish, who had a team-high 18 points, sank another from long range but South Alabama (1-1) was able to fend off a late rally by connecting on three free throws down the stretch. USA made a living at the charity stripe by making 23 of 30 on the night.

Both teams could never find their groove on offense as both shot under 35 percent for the game. After making 15 three-pointers in Monday's opener, Nicholls (0-2) made 12 in its home debut but shot at 33 percent compared to 40 at New Mexico. 

Cornish was 6 of 13 from long range while Brian Myles made 3 of 4 and totaled 17 points. Myles made back-to-back threes around the 13-minute mark in the second half that put Nicholls up -- a lead it would keep until four minutes remaining.

South Alabama tied the game at 59 then Dylan Fasoyiro sank a big three-pointer with 2:15 to go. The final eight Jaguar points then came from the free throw line. Fasoyiro finished with 17 points and was one of three USA players in double figures.

After scorching the net on Monday, Robert Brown III had an off-night shooting by making just 2 of 12 from three-point range. However, Brown contributed elsewhere with a team-high six rebounds and tallied three of the Colonels' 15 assists. Jamal West Jr. chipped in with seven points, five rebounds and three blocks.

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Nicholls will have a quick turnaround with a Saturday afternoon contest against The W Owls. Tipoff at Stopher is scheduled for 3 p.m.