Nicholls basketball looks to stay perfect at home with two games this weekend

The Nicholls State University men’s basketball team will look to build on their current 2-
0 home record this weekend as they face off against the University of Louisiana at Lafayette at 7
p.m. on Friday and the University of Idaho at 6 p.m. on Sunday, with both games taking place in
Stopher Gymnasium. The Colonels currently sit at 4-3 on the season going into this weekend’s
slate of games.

In last week’s action over the Thanksgiving break, the Colonels participated in the Battle
4 Atlantis Midland tournament in Baltimore, Maryland. The team went 1-1 on the tournament,
with a win against Presbyterian College and an unfortunately close loss coming to the University
of Maryland, Baltimore County.

In the 76-64 victory over Presbyterian College, the Colonels got out to an early lead and
never looked back, with their largest lead of 15 points coming in the first half. Nicholls
dominated Presbyterian in the paint, holding a 30 to 12 advantage in points in the paint. Guard
Roddy Peters lead the Colonels on the night, posting a line of 24 points, seven rebounds and
eight assists, including 3-3 shooting from three. Guard Tevon Saddler also chipped in 17 points,
nine rebounds and four assists.

The Colonels’ match against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County was a back
and forth game that ended up in a narrow 89-88 loss for Nicholls. UMBC had a well-rounded
offensive attack, with six players recording double digits. For the Colonels, guard Lafayette
Rutledge scored 30 points on 10 made three pointers, tying a Nicholls basketball program record.

Guard Tevon Saddler recorded his first double-double of the season with 17 points and 12
rebounds. Nicholls shot 52.3 percent from the field, including 44.1percent from three on 15-34
shooting.

In Monday’s game versus Blue Mountain College, the Colonels thoroughly dominated
the floor in a 104-68 victory. Nicholls held stark advantages over Blue Mountain State in many
important categories, including a 56-24 advantage in points in the paint, a 34-16 advantage in
points off turnover and a 31-6 advantage in fast break points. Nicholls had five players that
scored in double digits, led by guard Roddy Peters and forward Kimani Jackson with 14 points a
piece. Guard Kevin Johnson led the team with eight assists.

Friday’s opponent the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (5-2, 1st in Sun Belt
Conference standings) will be a challenging matchup for the Colonels. This will be the first time
that the two teams meet in Thibodaux since 1971. Lead by guard Frank Bartley IV (15.4 ppg)
and forward JaKeenan Gant (14.9 ppg), the Rajin’ Cajuns bring in the 24th ranked offensive
attack in the nation, averaging 88.0 points per game. ULL is currently on a two game winning
streak, with their last victory being a 89-78 victory over McNeese State University.

Sunday’s opponent, Idaho University, is 4-2 on the season, good for first place in Big Sky
Conference standings. The team is lead by guard Victor Sanders, who averages 21.8 points and
4.2 rebounds per game. The Vandals come into Sunday’s game as winners of four of their last
five games, including a 75-66 victory over the California Polytechnic State University.