The Nicholls Colonels defeated the Northwestern Demons 61-58 in Natchitoches on Monday, Feb. 2. 

The Colonels (10-13, 9-5 in Southland Conference play) started the game strong taking a 19-4 lead less than 10 minutes into the game, with Jalik Dunkley and Zee Hamoda combining for 14 points. 

The Colonels continued to dominate the first half; shooting 42% from the field to the Demons’ 24%, 33% on three pointers to their 8% and shot 100% on free throws to their 63%. Nicholls took a commanding 34-20 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Demons surged. Izzy Miles dropped 11 points in the first 11 minutes of the second half to tie the game at 44 a piece. A few plays later the Demons took the lead with a Chris Mubiru three pointer. The teams battled back and forth bringing the game down to the wire.

Jalin Rice gave the Colonels a 52-51 lead with a jumpshot with about five minutes left in the game. A few plays later Jaylen Searles made a three pointer to push the lead to four, Mubiru answered back bringing the lead back down to one. Hamoda hit a clutch jump shot near the three point line giving the Colonels a three point lead. 

Micah Thomas sank two free throws for the demons to bring the game within one. An intentional foul sent Sincere Malone to the line where he made both free throws with six seconds left. The Demons made a layup leaving them down one with a second left, Dunkley sank both intentional foul free throws, sealing the victory for the Colonels.

Notable Performances

• Hamoda played the entire game, leading the team in scoring with 16 points with three assists. He was tenacious on defense tonight leading the team in blocks with two and tying the team lead in steals with two.
• Dunkley had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He shot a team high 55% from the field and a staggering 66% from three. 
• Rice scored 11 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out an assist while making all five of his free throws.