Nicholls State secured a crucial 61-58 victory over Northwestern State at Prather Coliseum, fueled by a strong performance from Zee Hamoda, who tallied 16 points and 8 rebounds. The win marked a significant milestone for Nicholls State, as they improved their record to 10-13. Northwestern State, on the other hand, fell to 6-16, despite a valiant effort from Chris Mubiru, who led the team with 16 points and 7 rebounds.
The first half saw Nicholls State take control, with the team scoring 34 points to Northwestern State's 20. Jalik Dunkley and Jalin Rice contributed to the Colonels' strong start, with Dunkley adding 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Rice chipping in 11 points and 5 rebounds. However, Northwestern State refused to back down, mounting a comeback in the second half. Micah Thomas and Izzy Miles joined Mubiru in the scoring effort, each contributing 11 points. The Demons outscored Nicholls State 38-27 in the second half, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout had predicted a narrow victory for Northwestern State, with a margin of 1.8 points. However, the actual outcome saw Nicholls State emerge victorious by 3 points, defying the prediction. The predicted score of 73-71 was also far off the mark, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm on offense.
The game was marked by a series of runs, with Nicholls State's strong start giving way to a Northwestern State surge in the second half. The Demons' comeback was fueled by their ability to get to the free-throw line, but ultimately, they were unable to overcome the Colonels' early advantage. The win was a reflection of Nicholls State's resilience and determination, as they battled to secure a hard-fought victory on the road.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win has real consequences for Nicholls State's tournament chances. The victory over Northwestern State, although not a marquee win, helps to bolster the Colonels' resume. This game was classified as a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, and the win will likely have a minimal impact on Nicholls State's NET ranking, which currently stands at 239. However, it is a step in the right direction for a team looking to build momentum heading into the postseason. For Northwestern State, the loss drops them to 6-16, and with a NET ranking of 299, their tournament hopes are all but extinguished. The Demons must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push in the final weeks of the season.