First-place Nicholls fends off SHSU in 73-72 win

THIBODAUX, La. – Senior Jahvaughn Powell knocked down a left-wing jumper just inside the arc that proved to be the game-winner in the Nicholls State University men’s basketball’s 73-72 victory over Sam Houston State University Wednesday night on Broussard Court at Stopher Gymnasium.

“We knew it was going to be a battle,” Nicholls head coach Richie Riley said. “They’re well-coached, tough and at the top of the league for a reason. I loved how our guys just refused to lose. It was a great win for us. Anytime you can win in a 1-2 matchup in our league is huge – whether it’s by one or by 20.”

Powell’s shot came on a pump fake after a 7-2 run by the Bearkats (16-11, 10-4 SLC) tied the contest at 71. Each team had its chances at the charity stripe but Jamal Williams and Roddy Peters each missed one-in-ones before John Dewey III made 1-2 to bring the game within one. After a miss by Powell, Marcus Harris’ shot as time expired was off the mark, giving the Colonels (17-9, 11-2 SLC) their ninth win in the last 10.

Nicholls now boasts a 7-1 record at home in league play. The Colonels pulled out the win despite shooting 5-24 from long range, 16-23 free throws and getting outrebounded 41-27. Nicholls tallied 24 points off of 22 SHSU turnovers.

Peters and fellow senior Tevon Saddler poured in 15 points apiece followed by freshman Kevin Johnson (13) and Powell (11). The Colonels saw superb defensive performances by Johnson (four steals) and freshman Ryghe Lyons (five blocks).

Nicholls used a 12-point run capped by a Peters slam to take a 55-41 advantage with 14:14 to play. The Colonels then went into a scoring lull, converting just 2-11 over a 6:51 stretch as the Bearkats held an 18-5 margin to cut the deficit to one at 60-59 with 7:23 to go.

However, Nicholls never lost the lead, scoring seven of the next nine to give the squad just enough of a gap to hold on for victory.

“We knew it was going to be a challenge and our guys found a way,” Riley said. “I can’t tell you how proud I am of these guys. There have been multiple games where we haven’t played our best basketball but we found a way to win. I’m proud of all the winning traits that our guys are getting. That’s how you put yourself in a position to win a championship.”

Dewey III converted a double-double for SHSU with 10 points and 12 boards. Harris managed a game-high 23 points and Chris Galbreath Jr. added 16.

The Colonels have a tough road stretch ahead, beginning with UCA Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN3.

Get your season or single game tickets now by calling 985-448-4790 or visiting nichollstickets.com. To stay up to date with Nicholls men’s basketball, follow the team on Twitter @Nicholls_MBB.