THIBODAUX, La. - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team hits the road for the first time in February but will not have to leave the state with matchups against Southeastern (Feb. 15) and New Orleans (Feb. 17). 

The Colonels will be looking to sweep both opponents after home wins in December.

Nicholls (15-10, 9-5 SLC) has won five straight in the series over Southeastern (16-9, 10-4 SLC), capped with a 67-64 win in the SLC opener. In the last trip to Hammond, Louisiana, Nicholls spoiled the Lions' Senior Day with an 80-54 victory. 

The Lions carry a four-game winning streak into Saturday's contest while Nicholls just had its four-game streak come to an end with a loss to Northwestern State. The Colonels were unable to hold onto their halftime lead against the Demons, making just the second time in 14 games they lost when leading at the break. 

Michael Gray Jr. has emerged as the Colonels' leading scorer in conference, averaging 13.8 points per game, just ahead of Robert Brown III who is at 13.0 ppg. Gray put together a string of three straight 20-point games before finishing with 19 in the loss to NSU. Brown has scored at least 13 points in four of his last six outings.

Southeastern's winning streak includes victories over New Orleans, Lamar, UIW and HCU. With the wins, the Lions are in a tie for second place with Lamar -- both 1.0 games ahead of the Colonels.

New Orleans (4-21, 2-12 SLC) has lost its last seven games heading into the Saturday matchup with McNeese. One of the losses was a heartbreaker as Stephen F. Austin made a shot past half court at the buzzer in overtime for the win. But six of the seven other losses were by double figures.