Colonels rebound in roadtrip midpoint, subdue Lamar

BEAUMONT, Texas — Anchored by five double-digit scoring performances, including a team-high 18 points from senior Kevin Johnson on his 22nd birthday, the Nicholls State University men’s basketball program (11-6, 8-2 SLC) managed to fight back into the win column Wednesday evening at Lamar (4-14, 2-7 SLC).

The Colonels clipped the Cardinals by a final 76-71 margin in a crucial midweek Southland clash at the Montagne Center.

Following a back-and-forth opening period featuring, at most, a seven-point advantage for each squad, the Colonels took control across the final 20 minutes, never surrendering their halftime edge and growing the lead as large as 14 points (12:33 remaining). Down the stretch, the Red & Gray defensive effort consistently slowed down the Cardinals during their late rally, holding Lamar to just 1-of-9 from the floor over the last three minutes.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
— For the night, Nicholls finished shooting 46.2 percent (30-of-65) from the field, 31.8 percent (7-of-22) at the three-point line and 60.0 percent (9-of-15) from the charity stripe.
— With the win, the Colonels earn the series sweep of Lamar and shift back into the win column all in a single move, maintaining solid position in the league standings (8-2) just one game back of leader Sam Houston (9-1).
— Outside of Johnson, who proved lethal beyond the arc behind a 5-of-8 shooting clinic, senior Ryghe Lyons (16 points, 10 rebounds) and redshirt junior Najee Garvin (11 points, 10 rebounds) put in serious work on both ends of the court, logging the second and first double-doubles of their collegiate careers, respectively.
— As a team, the Colonels witnessed five players breach the double-digit plateau for just the second time in Division I competition this season (vs. UC Davis, 11/25/20), as both redshirt seniors Andre Jones (12 points) and Jaylen Fornes (10 points) joined Johnson, Lyons and Garvin at the notable mark.
— Meanwhile, Jones continued his unselfish streak on the offensive end, once again leading the team in assists as the Arkansas native dished out four on the night.

UP NEXT
With the opening pair of contests of the three-game road trek out the way, the Colonels turn their attention to the away stretch finale at rival Southeastern Louisiana, facing off with the Lions on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in Hammond, La.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Men’s Basketball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_MBB), Instagram (@nicholls_mbb) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).