Colonel basketball sits at 1-1 on the season through two games

After the first two games of the new season, the Colonels sit at 1-1 on the season. Game
one against the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was a high scoring affair that resulted in
an exciting Colonel victory. The matchup against Villanova University gave the team the
opportunity to test themselves against the fifth-ranked team in the country and to compete in a
NBA arena. Being able to play together while being challenged by such a tough opponent could
potentially speed up the process of gelling as a team as they face lesser opponents throughout the
season.

Nicholls’ game against UTRGV was an offensive showcase for both teams, with the final
score reading 111-106 in favor of the Colonels. Nicholls faced a one-point deficit at the halftime
but came out ready to play after the break, totaling 60 points in the second half. The Colonels hit
54% of their shots in the second half, including a blazing 6-11 (54.5%) from three-point range,
which propelled them to victory. Nicholls was rewarded for attacking the rim and converted on
23 of their 29 free throw attempts.

The Colonels had four players who scored 18 or more points. Guard Lafayette Rutledge
lead the team with 23 points on the night. Guard Tevon Saddler recorded 19 points, eight
rebounds and six assists. Freshman guard Kevin Johnson played a game-high 30 minutes in his
first collegiate start, recording five points, six rebounds and six assists.

Villanova showed why it is ranked fifth overall in the country with a 113-77 victory over
the Colonels. After Nicholls had tied the game at six early on, Villanova opened the game up by
going on a 29-11 run. Villanova ran the court and carved the Colonel defense up with crisp
passing, causing the Colonels to over-help on defense which lead to a multitude of wide open
three pointers for the Wildcats. Villanova shot 57% from the field and 43% from three on the night.

At times, Nicholls played smothering full court defense at times, leading to 16 Villanova
turnovers and easy buckets for the Colonels. However, Nicholls struggled offensively,
converting on only 38% of their shots on the night. Guard Zaquavian Smith lead the team with
25 points on 7-13 shooting, including 6-9 from three-point range.

Through two games, Nicholls is putting up an average of 94 points per game while giving
up an average 109.5 points per game. As the new lineups get more time on the court together, the
team’s defense should improve as communication between players improve.

Nicholls will return home to play their first home game of the season against Spring Hill
College on Nov. 17 th in Stopher Gynmasium. The team will then return to the road as they travel
to face Western Kentucky University on Nov. 19.