Johnson, Nicholls knock off Carver to wrap up non-conference slate

THIBODAUX, La. — Powered by a relentless all-around performance out of senior Kevin Johnson, the Nicholls State University men’s basketball program (9-5, 6-1 SLC) composed an impressive conclusion to the team’s non-conference slate in Sunday afternoon’s rescheduled matchup against Carver College (0-19, 0-0 NCCAA), pushing past the Cougars by a final 105-60 mark at Stopher Gym less than 24 hours after dismantling rival New Orleans.

While Carver managed to keep the contest close early, even snaring a one-point lead with just over 15 minutes to play in the first half, the Red & Gray recovered quickly behind serious defensive efforts across the board and a breakneck offensive pace, shutting down the Cougars’ ability to properly distribute (24 turnovers forced, 20 steals) before attacking the basket at the other end (36 fast break points, 29 points off turnovers).

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
— For the night, Nicholls finished shooting 56.8 percent (42-of-74) from the floor, 37.5 percent (9-of-24) beyond the arc and 63.2 percent (12-of-19) at the free throw line.
— Notably, third-year head coach Austin Claunch made a specific effort to substitute in bench reserves, finishing the contest with 14 active participants, 13 of which who scored.
— Individually, Johnson wrapped up the game with the most noteworthy stat line for the Colonels, notching a team second-best 16 points while adding seven assists and five steals with just one turnover.
— Meanwhile, redshirt senior Jaylen Fornes seemingly found his groove again after a lull in production the past few weeks, dropping a squad-best 17 points off a 6-of-10 shooting performance (3-of-5 from long range) while swiping four steals of his own.
— Three additional Colonels also fought into double-digit scoring as well, including redshirt junior Najee Garvin (12 points) and seniors Jeremiah Buford (12 points) and Ryghe Lyons (10 points). Lyons also picked up two blocks on the day, good for his eighth multi-block game of the year.
— Off the bench, junior AJ Rainey secured not only his first points of the season, but also the first of his Division I collegiate career, as he racked up a solid six points, four steals and three assists. Sophomore Tyrease Terrell added five points of his own while freshman Taylor Blanchard logged the first points of his collegiate career as well, posting two points and one rebound for the game.

UP NEXT
With the fully-packed weekend out of the way, the Colonels turn their attention to the final contest of the three-game home stretch, hosting in-state rival McNeese on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at Stopher Gym, tip set for 7 p.m.

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).