The Nicholls State University basketball team squeaked out a win against rival Southeastern Louisiana University, forcing a missed shot as time expired on the Lions’ final possession.

“We knew they needed a three to tie the game so we covered all their shooters,” Nicholls forward Jamal West Jr. said.

Nicholls started its Southland Conference season with a 67-64 win over Southeastern on Thursday, Dec. 5.

“You ant to win every conference game, so to start off wanna know I’m really excited about that,” Nicholls basketball head coach Tevon Saddler said. “There are some things that we have to clean up, but it’s always better teaching after a win rather than a loss.” 

Nicholls faced some issues on the offensive side. The Colonels ended the game with double-digit turnovers and missed five free throws at crucial points in the second half.

Saddler said the team needs to improve at the free throw line, specifically in one-and-one situations.

“To beat any good college basketball you need to step up and make free throws, especially on the front end of one and ones. When you miss the front end of a one-and-one it really counts as two misses,” Saddler said. “11 for 18 tonight, that’s really bad. we need to change that ASAP.”

West Jr. served a large part in the Colonels’ win, taking advantage of opportunities on both sides of the ball. The senior forward recorded a double-double. He scored 13 points, pulled in 10 rebounds and added a blocked shot.

“It feels great. I haven’t had a double-double in a long time so I feel like I’m getting back to my old ways,” West Jr. said.

Nicholls continues its conference slate against the University of New Orleans [2-5] on Saturday.

Although UNO sits at no. 11 in the conference and ranks in the bottom three on offense and defense coach Saddler knows the importance of keeping focus.

“We have a big game against UNO on Saturday, so our focus is shifted to that game. We need to watch film and make some adjustments ahead of that,” Saddler said.

Nicholls faces UNO at David R. Stopher Gymnasium on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.