BEAUMONT, Texas – The Nicholls State University men's basketball team suffered a 75-56 loss to Lamar University inside the Neches Center on Saturday night.
 
Nicholls got off to a slow start as they trailed by as much as 15 (24-9) with 10:46 to go in the first half. However, by using stout defense and efficient offense the Colonels were able to go on a 19-6 run to climb back into the game.
 
The Red & Gray run was sparked by junior guard Byron Ireland who scored eight of his 10 points in the first half. Lamar led 30-28 at the intermission.
 
After a few back-and-forth minutes to begin the second half, Nicholls offense went cold, and Lamar's offense found their footing to help the Cardinals build a double-digit lead.
 
The Cardinals held a double figure lead the rest of the way including leading by as much as 21 (75-54) in the second half. Lamar shot and impressive 17-27 (63%) from the field including 5-10 from beyond the arc and 6-7 from the charity stripe in the second stanza.
 
Senior forward Diante Smith hit five field goals including two triples to finish with a game-high 15 points and nine rebounds. This is his sixth consecutive contest with 15 or more points.
 
Junior guard Robert Brown III hit three shots from long range to score nine points, while his classmate Jamal West Jr. registered eight points and eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Michael Gray Jr. also chipped in with eight points.
 
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The Red & Gray (12-11, 7-3 SLC) will return home and host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday, Feb. 12. Tipoff from Stopher Gym will be at 6:30 p.m.