Men’s Basketball: Nicholls bounces back with 83-60 win over NSU

THIBODAUX, La. – An 11-0 run to start the game by the Nicholls State University men’s basketball team set the tone against Northwestern State and the Colonels never relinquished the lead, cruising to an 83-60 victory Wednesday night on Broussard Court in Stopher Gymnasium.

The win keeps the Colonels’ postseason hopes alive as they head into Saturday’s finale against Southeastern Louisiana. Tipoff on Senior Day is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

Nicholls (13-17, 6-11 SLC) led by 19 at the break, 48-29, and by as much as 25 in the first half. The visiting Demons (11-19, 6-11 SLC) trimmed the deficit to 15 early after the intermission, but never posed a real threat into the Colonel lead.

Jeremiah Jefferson came off the bench for his fourth consecutive 20-point game, scoring a game-high 25 of 7 of 13 from the field. Jeremiah Buford had a career-high 16 points and missed just twice from the field, knocking down 4 of 6 3-pointers.

Kevin Johnson had 15 points and dished out a career-high 11 assists, while Daniel Regis also had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Johnson’s career high in assists was paired with zero turnovers for the sophomore guard.

In the first half, Nicholls led 11-0 after the opening 2:30 of the game, getting a pair of 3-pointers in the by Elvis Harvey and Buford. With the Colonels leading 24-14 midway through the half, Nicholls blew the game open with a 17-2 run for a 41-16 advantage, capped on a Danny Garrick 3-pointer.

The win improved the Colonels’ home record to 8-4 on the season. Six of the eight wins have been by double figures.

UP NEXT
Nicholls will close out the regular season on Saturday, March 9 with a 3:30 p.m. matchup against Southeastern Louisiana.

SENIOR DAY
Before the game Saturday, the Colonels will recognize their three-member senior class. Being honored a graduates Jeremiah Jefferson and Gavin Peppers, and senior Daniel Regis.