Nicholls falls short to Santa Clara in Bronco Invitational finale, 73-57

Santa Clara, Calif. — Despite entering the Bronco Invitational finale with some momentum off two consecutive victories, the Nicholls State University men’s basketball program struggled to find any rhythm in the three-game tournament’s conclusion against host Santa Clara (3-0, 0-0 WCC), faltering by a final 73-57 mark Saturday evening at the Leavey Center.

Offensively, the Red & Gray failed to get much of anything going throughout the contest, finishing with a season-low field goal percentage (28.4 percent, 19-of-67) after shooting in the mid- to high-40s to open the year against UC Davis and Idaho State. On the opposite end of the court, the Colonels grappled with Santa Clara’s assortment of frontcourt talent, as the Broncos outmuscled the Red & Gray for 17 offensive boards and a 44-to-18 margin for points in the paint.

KEY STORYLINES & STATISTICS
— For the game, Nicholls (2-1, 0-0 SLC) finished shooting 28.4 percent (19-of-67) from the field, 23.3 percent (7-of-30) at the three-point line and 70.6 percent (12-of-17) at the charity stripe.
— Notably, the Colonels closed out the night with their worst all-around shooting percentage (28.4 percent) since Dec. 28, 2015, in which the Red & Gray shot 28.1 percent (16-of-57) in a loss at Houston.
— Individually, redshirt senior Jaylen Fornes posted the team-best with 14 points while senior Ryghe Lyons rounded out the double-digit scorers as he added a season-high 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
— Redshirt junior Ty Gordon, who faced foul trouble throughout the game, wrapped up the contest with nine points and a team-high five assists; meanwhile, fellow redshirt junior Najee Garvin pounded the glass for a team-best 11 boards to go along with his four points.

UP NEXT
With the Bronco Invitational wrapped up, the Colonels shift focus to the remaining pair of contests left on their Bay Area tour, initially challenging California on Monday, Nov. 30 before making a quick turnaround for a Dec. 1 matchup at Saint Mary’s.

STAY SOCIAL
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