Wins keep rolling for men’s basketball

The Nicholls State University men’s basketball team picked up two more important victories over the past week. The Colonels took a hard-fought match on the road against Abilene Christian University, then returned home and flexed their offensive firepower in a win against Houston Baptist University.

With these wins, the Colonels moved to 16-9 on the season, 10-2 in Conference play and into sole possession of the first Southland Conference spot.

GAME RECAPS
In last Wednesday’s nail-bitingly close 69-65 victory over Abilene Christian, the Colonels relied on their stingy defense, which ranks fourth in the nation in steals with 9.8 a game, and their bench to help them come out with a win. On a night where the team was not operating on all cylinders offensively, the defense stepped up and held Abilene Christian to only 41 percent shooting from the field, including a meager 14 percent from three.

The Colonels’ reliable bench was another determining factor in this game, outscoring Abilene Christian’s bench by a stark 30-4 margin. Sixth man Roddy Peters flirted with a triple-double with 18 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Starting forward Kimani Jackson had another solid game, recording a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The home victory over Houston Baptist was a different story. The Colonels blitzed the Huskies offensively from the start, resulting in a 94-67 win for Nicholls. The team shot a scorching 57.1 percent from the field and once again held their opponent to 41 percent shooting.

Led by guards Tevon Saddler and Roddy Peters, who had 22 and 21 points respectively, the Colonels outscored the Huskies by 20 points in the second half to coast to a comfortable win. Nicholls dominated in fast break points (32 to four) and bench points scored (42 to 23).

CONFERENCE STANDINGS
The Colonels currently sit first overall in the SLC with a record of 10-2. Sam Houston State University, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of New Orleans all trail the Colonels by half-a- game, with conference records of 10-3.

With the Southland Conference Tournament approaching as the season winds down, each game will be important for the Colonels as they fight for number one.

UPCOMING ACTION
The Colonels take on Sam Houston State University (16-10, 10-3 SLC) on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 8:15 p.m. in Stopher Gymnasium. The Bearkats, winners of their past four games and tied for second behind Nicholls in conference standings, will provide a tough challenge for the Colonels.

Forward Christopher Galbreath Jr. heads the team with averages of 15.0 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. The Colonels will also have to focus on guard Josh Delaney, a 41 percent shooter from three on the season.

Nicholls will travel to face off against Central Arkansas University on Saturday. The Bears, who are sixth in the SLC, are a solid offensive team. They rank 19th in the nation in scoring per game and 17th in assists per game. Guard Jordan Howard ranks third in the nation in scoring with 25.8 points per game, 46.7 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from three. The Colonels will need to play disciplined defense to come out with a victor