THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team opens its 2024-25 home slate Friday, Nov. 8, hosting South Alabama on Broussard Court at Stopher Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Although Nicholls came up short in its season opener at New Mexico on Monday, the Colonels gave the defending Mountain West champions a battle for 40 minutes. Nicholls was dialed in from long range, sinking 15 three-pointers in the 91-84 loss. 

The last time Nicholls played in Stopher Gym, they connected on a season-high 18 triples in a blowout win over UIW. The offense accounted for double figures in three-pointers made nine times last season.

Robert Brown III was 6 of 12 from behind the arc at New Mexico and scored a team-high 23 points. Ike Cornish made four from deep for 14 points and Michael Gray Jr. added three triples for 13 points. Cornish was one of five players who made their Colonel debut, along with Trae English who dished out eight assists. 

South Alabama lost its season opener 74-70 against Central Michigan Monday night at home.  The Jaguars fell behind by as much as 22 in the second half before their comeback fell just short. 

Last season, Nicholls and South Alabama played three overtimes in Mobile with the Colonels escaping with a 102-97 victory. Former Jag Jamal West Jr. scored 31 in the win while Brown sank two three-pointers in the final overtime.

The contest also features a unique coaching matchup. Nicholls head coach Tevon Saddler, the youngest coach in Division I at 29 years old, played on the Colonels' 2018 championship team. That squad was coached by Richie Riley, who is now at the helm of South Alabama. Saddler also served as a graduate assistant under Riley at USA. 

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Nicholls will play a second straight home game on Saturday, hosting The W (Mississippi University for Women) at 3 p.m.