Jan. 24, 2008

THIBODAUX, La. - After having two intense battles last season that were decided by six points or less, Nicholls and Southeastern La. will tip-off this season's two-game series in Stopher Gym live on Cox Sports Television at 4 p.m.

The television broadcast by Cox Sports Television marks only the second time in Nicholls' history that the Colonels have appeared live on television from Stopher Gym. The first took place last year against Southeastern La. on Feb. 17, 2007, and Nicholls prevailed, 74-72, behind former Colonel Stefan Blaszczynski's 24-points.

The first contest between the two in-state and conference rivals last season took place in Hammond, La. on Jan. 20 and the Lions won 75-69 as former Lion Daryl Cohen had a game best 20-points. Southeastern La. holds the all-time series advantage 42-37, while the two-game series the past two seasons have been split with the home team defending their own territory.

Junior Ryan Bathie enters the game not only the Colonels leading scorer with 12.2 points per game, but he also has 167 career three-point baskets made and is just six three's from tying Robert Lee's all-time mark of 173. Bathie had 86 successful three tries last season on 230 attempts, which both were a school record.

Southeastern La. (10-7, 2-2) comes into the game tied with Sam Houston State for tops in the conference in rebound margin with a plus 7.4 average, but they are last in the league with three-pointers made with 4.88 a game. Nicholls (6-13, 1-3) is third in the conference in three-point shots made with 7.74 a game.

The Lions enter the game with three players averaging double-digits with Kevyn Green leading the way with 14.7 points per game. Warrell Span and Tavaris Nance are the other two averaging over the 10-point mark for the season with a 12.2 and 11.1 average, respectively.

Tip-off will be at 4 p.m. and will follow the women's game against Southeastern La. at 1 p.m. Besides the television broadcast, the game can also be heard locally on 105.9 FM KBZE and 640 AM KTIB starting at 3:45 p.m. with Brennan Matherne providing play-by-play. Listeners outside the local listening area can tune in on the internet at www.kbze.com, and follow the game live statistically at www.geauxcolonels.com by clicking on the GameTracker icon.

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