Feb. 23, 2009

THIBODAUX, La. - The Colonels look to rebound from a tough overtime loss on the road at Texas State, traveling to Central Arkansas Wednesday night for the second meeting of the season with the Bears. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. from the Farris Center.

Earlier this season, the Colonels picked up a 16-point victory over Central Arkansas, winning 63-47 in Stopher Gym.

Nicholls is led by the duo of senior Ryan Bathie (Melton, Australia/Mowbray) and sophomore Anatoly Bose (Sydney, Australia/Waverley) who serve as leading scorers and rebounders for the Colonels.

Bathie, a two-time SLC player of the week, is pouring in 15.8 points per game and is second on the squad with 4.8 boards per outing, while Bose leads the team on the glass with 5.5 rebounds per game, adding 14.0 points per contest.

While the offensive numbers are impressive, defense has been the Colonels' trademark throughout the season. Nationally ranked in steals (9.0 per game) and scoring defense (45.1%), Nicholls has relied on the speed of guards Kellan Carter (Fresno, Calif./Edison) and Justin Payne (Opelousas, La./Opelousas).

Both Carter and Payne, who average 2.3 and 1.9 steals per game, respectively, have been ranked as individuals and currently sit as No. 34 and No. 54 in the country in the category.

Wednesday night's game marks the sixth meeting between the Colonels and Bears. Nicholls looks to even the series at three games apiece with a win over Central Arkansas.

Fans can listen live on KLRZ 100.3 FM where the pregame show will begin 15 minutes prior to the 7 p.m. tip-off.

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