Dec. 13, 2007

THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls will host Lipscomb this Saturday at South Lafourche High School in Galliano, La. for 3 p.m. due to a scheduling conflict with fall commencement in Stopher Gym.

In last year's non-conference match up between the two schools in Nashville, Tenn., the Bison won 75-55 as they shot 45 percent (9-of-20) from three-point territory, and out rebounded the Colonels 37-to-33. The Bison finished their 2006-07 campaign with an 18-13 overall record and an 11-7 mark in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

The all-time series advantage is in favor of Lipscomb 3-0 with the two teams playing in non-conference every year since the 2004-05 season. The Bison (4-6) come into the 2007-08 contest against the Colonels (3-7) having not won a road game all season, and only have one player averaging double-figures with senior Eddie Ard putting forth 13.1 points per game. Ard, a native of La Place, La., led the Bison in every major statistical category last season on his way to being named to the Atlantic Sun Conference Second Team.

Lipscomb defeated McNeese State (4-3) earlier this season in Nashville, Tenn., 65-47, while the Cowboys out shot the Bison from the floor (41.9 percent to 38.8 percent) and out rebounded (32-to-28) Lipscomb, but committed 23 turnovers which led to 21 Bison points in the 18-point defeat.

The Colonels are coming off a 78-65 victory over in-state and former conference rival Louisiana-Monroe (4-5). In the game, the Colonels had four double-digit scorers, and were led by senior Adonis Gray with 17. Gray now has 1,033 career points and currently stands 20th on the all-time scoring list. He needs 23 points to surpass Dale Melancon (1966-70) for the 19th spot.

Heading into the game, Nicholls has two players averaging double-figures with junior Ryan Bathie leading the way with an 11.6 average. Sophomore Michael Czepil follows with an 11.5 mark per game, while freshman Dominic Friend leads the team in rebounding with 4.1 boards per contest.

Tip-off is at 3 p.m. from South Lafourche High School, and providing all of the play-by-play action will be Brennan Matherne on 105.9 FM KBZE, the flagship station for Nicholls Athletics. The game can also be heard on 640 AM KTIB, and on the internet at www.kbze.com. Pre-game airs at 2:45 p.m. Also, the contest can be followed live statistically through www.geauxcolonels.com, the official website of Nicholls Athletics. Once on the home page, go to the men's basketball home page, click on the schedule/results icon, and select the game against Lipscomb on the schedule. In the box on the right, a Gametracker link will allow access to the game free of charge.

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