The Nicholls State University men’s basketball surpassed the No. 6 seed McNeese State University 94-90 yesterday in a double overtime win in the opening round of the Southland Conference Tournament.

According to the SLC website, it was the first double overtime game in a men’s tournament play in the first round since 2006.

The Colonels (11-22, 6-12 SLC) opened the game with back-and-forth basket with the Cowboys through out most of the first period. After a 15-6 run, Nicholls finished the first half with an 11-point lead.

Nicholls opened up strong in the beginning of the second half and took a 15-point lead, but allowed McNeese to step up and open a two-point lead in the final 33 seconds. With 11 seconds remaining on the clock, Ja’Dante’ Frye was fouled after fighting a rebound and knocked down two free throws, sending the game into overtime.

McNeese held the advantage 83-81 when Shane Rillieux was fouled with eight seconds left. Rillieux missed the free-throw attempt, but Frye fought for the rebound and was fouled himself. Frye hit both free-throws to send the game into a second five minute overtime period.

With the Colonels tied 90-90 at the second overtime with 1:20 remaining on the clock, just seconds before Luka Kamber made a pass that resulted in a dunk by Frye, giving a two-point lead to Nicholls. The Colonels increased the lead with Quinton Thomas hitting two from the free throw line, finishing the game at 94-90.

T.J. Carpenter and Liam Thomas led Nicholls in regulation, scoring 22 and 16 points respectively. Frye’s performance also contributed to the Colonels’ victory with 18 points at the game, eight of those points being scored after regulation.  The three players combined a total of 15 rebounds, seven assists and four blocks.

The Colonels defense played an important role bringing their win last night. The team only allowed 11 points in turnovers in comparison to 14 points allowed by the Cowboys. Nicholls also counted with extra help, scoring 35 bench points.

Nicholls will face the second round of the conference play against No. 3 Sam Houston (17-14, 12-6 SLC) at 7:30 p.m. today.