COMMERCE, Texas - The Nicholls State University men's basketball team turned in one of its best defensive efforts and four players scored in double figures as the Colonels snapped their five-game skid with a 72-68 win over East Texas A&M on Saturday evening at the Field House.

The victory improved the Colonels' record to 9-13 overall and 8-5 in league play and extended their winning streak in the all-time series against East Texas (8-14, 3-9 SLC) to seven games. 

Nicholls shot 48 percent in the win while the defense held the Lions to 37 percent, which is the lowest for a conference opponent this season for the Colonels. Nicholls led 34-24 at the break as East Texas shot just 28 percent in the opening period.

In the second half, the Colonels were up 57-46 with 10 minutes remaining before the Lions began to chip away at the deficit. East Texas A&M made it a one-possession game with 2:46 to go before Nicholls answered with four straight free throws for a 65-58 advantage. Then in the final minute, a Gianni Hunt three-point cut the deficit to two.

On the ensuing possession, Jalik Dunkley scored inside and was fouled, adding the free throw to push the lead back to five. The Lions hit another three-pointer with 17 seconds left but Sincere Malone made two free throws which would be the final points of the game.

Dunkley's team-high 20 points came on 8 of 11 shooting. Zee Hamoda added 18 points, Malone finished with 16 and Jaylen Searles chipped in 11. Dunkley had a team-high seven rebounds while Malone finished with three steals.

Ronnie Harrison led the Lions with 20 points, while Hunt added 16.

UP NEXT
Nicholls will go for another season sweep as the Colonels head to Natchitoches to take on Northwestern State. Tipoff on Monday, Feb. 2 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.