THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team finishes up 2024 with a second straight trip to the Pacific Northwest as the Colonels take on Seattle University for their nonconference finale. Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. central on Monday, Dec. 30 at the Redhawk Center.

Nicholls (7-5) saw its five-game winning streak come to an end in its last outing on Dec. 18 in a 102-72 loss to nationally-ranked Gonzaga. Meanwhile, Seattle (5-8) notched a historic win in its last contest as the Redhawks ended a 19-game losing streak in their series against Washington with a 79-70 win on Dec. 23. 

The Colonels will be aiming for a third road victory in nonconerence play. Nicholls won two last season in Tevon Saddler's debut campaign - at LSU and South Alabama - and notched wins at Northern Kentucky and Louisiana this year. 

The meeting is the second against the Redhawks with Seattle picking up a 95--89 win in 2017-18. Saddler, who played his lone season for the Colonels that year, started in the game and had nine points, five rebounds and three assists.

Heading into the New Year, Byron Ireland has scored in double figures in his last six outings including 16 points at Gonzaga to lead the Colonels at 13.5 points per game. Ireland also had six assists in the loss and now ranks seventh in the Southland while ranking 10th in scoring.

Mekhi Collins had a solid showing against the Bulldogs as well with 12 points on 5 of 6 from the field. The senior center has collected 26 rebounds over his last three games with 10 coming on the offensive end.

Seattle took down the Huskies thanks to an impressive night from Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe who totaled 23 points and 16 rebounds. Moncrieffe is one of three Redhawks averaging double figures in scoring and leads the team at 14.8 ppg.

In addition to the win over Washington, Seattle has victories over UC San Diego and Portland State. The Redhawks have a 3-2 record at home this season.

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Nicholls will open 2025 with four road SLC games, starting Jan. 4 at Northwestern State.