Rutledge shatters 3-point records as first-place Nicholls dominates McNeese, 96-79

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Senior guard Lafayette Rutledge broke the Nicholls State University men’s basketball records for threes in a game and a season during a 96-79 walloping of McNeese State University Wednesday night at Burton Coliseum.

Rutledge became the third Division I men’s basketball student-athlete to make 11 treys in a game this season, joining Marquette’s Markus Howard and Wofford’s Fletcher Magee. The Gautier, Mississippi native now has 87 triples on the year, breaking the program’s previous mark of 86 set by Anatoly Bose (2009-10) and Ryan Bathie (2006-07).

“I’m a shooter,” Rutledge said. “I do this day in and day out. I knew I was bound for another crazy night so why not this one?”

Lost in Rutledge’s career-high 34 points, Fellow seniors Roddy Peters (24 points, 11 assists) and Tevon Saddler (14 points, 10 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for the Colonels (19-9, 13-2 SLC). Nicholls boasted a 22:9 assist-to-turnover ratio, its best in league play this season.

After falling in a 16-4 hole, Nicholls scored the next 16 points to take a 20-16 advantage. Rutledge knocked down six long-range shots in the first half and his sixth with 14 seconds left gave the Colonels a 19-point margin.

Rutledge’s scoring barrage continued in the second half, draining five more treys highlighted by a four-point play with 12:58 left. A dunk by senior Legend Robertin right after Rutledge’s 11th three lifted Nicholls to a 28-point advantage, its highest of the game.

The Cowboys (9-16, 6-9 SLC) received a team-high 18 points and 11 rebounds from Stephen Ugochukwu.

The Colonels first place return to Broussard Court at Stopher Gym Saturday for Senior Night against New Orleans. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with the senior ceremony immediately following the contest.

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.