LAKE CHARLES, La. - Following a competitive opening 15 minutes of the game, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team struggled to keep pace with McNeese as the Cowboys defended their home court with a 94-68 victory over the Colonels Monday night inside Townsley Law Arena.

With the loss, Nicholls (8-9, 7-1 SLC) slipped into a three-way tie for first place with McNeese (14-3, 7-1 SLC) and Stephen F. Austin. The Colonels will host SFA next Monday after welcoming Lamar on Saturday.

Trae English led a spirited start for the Colonels with three steals against his former squad, leading to two easy layups and an assist on another. But the Cowboys gained the lead at 7-6 and never trailed again. 

Both defenses limited the offense for most of the half. English drained a three-pointer to make it 20-15 McNeese with eight minutes until the break. Then with the score 23-16 four minutes later, the Cowboys went on to end the half outscoring the Colonels 14-3 to take a commanding 37-19 halftime lead. 

In the second half, McNeese led by as much as 31 and went on to keep their home undefeated record intact. 

Christian Winborne led the offense with 17 points and added five assists, shooting 4 of 7 from three-point range. English totaled 11 points, five steals and five assists and Zee Hamoda added 11 points before fouling out.

Nicholls shot 40.7 percent from the field after making just 7 of 26 in the first half. The Colonels also had a season-high 19 turnovers.

McNeese shot 56 percent for the game and had six players finish in double figures. Larry Johnson led all scorers with 24 points while adding 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT
Nicholls heads back to Thibodaux for its next two games, starting with a Saturday (Jan. 17) matchup against Lamar. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. following the women's game.