STWF Sports | Jan 10, 2026 | NEW ORLEANS — What began as a frenetic, evenly matched shootout inside Lakefront Arena ultimately tilted in favor of Nicholls, as the Colonels’ blistering start to the second half proved decisive in a 90–77 victory over the New Orleans Privateers on Saturday night.
The opening 20 minutes delivered one of the most entertaining halves of basketball Lakefront Arena has seen this season. The two teams combined for 90 first-half points, trading baskets at a relentless pace and keeping the crowd fully engaged from the opening tip. New Orleans shot an impressive 58 percent from the field before intermission, while Nicholls answered with 47 percent shooting of its own. The half also featured 16 combined three-pointers, underscoring the offensive rhythm both sides found early.
Neither team was able to create meaningful separation in the first half. There were six lead changes, and no advantage exceeded seven points as the game flowed back and forth. Nicholls briefly created space late in the half, taking a 45–38 lead with 1:40 remaining. The Privateers responded immediately, trimming the deficit with a Coleton Benson jumper followed by an Irish Coquia three-pointer that reignited the home crowd. However, the Colonels closed the half with a perfectly timed buzzer-beating jumper from Zee Hamoda, sending Nicholls into the locker room with momentum and a narrow edge.
That momentum carried over emphatically after halftime.
Nicholls opened the second half on a torrid shooting stretch that flipped the game’s complexion in a matter of minutes. From the 16:53 mark to 11:50 remaining, the Colonels connected on eight consecutive field-goal attempts, stretching their lead to 74–55 and forcing New Orleans to play from behind the rest of the way. The surge highlighted both Nicholls’ offensive efficiency and its ability to capitalize on quality ball movement.
By night’s end, the Colonels shot 50 percent in the second half and finished with 17 made three-pointers. Their discipline was equally evident in the assist-to-turnover margin, recording 19 assists against just seven turnovers — a figure that consistently fueled clean looks and timely scoring runs.
Jaylen Searles led the way for Nicholls with a game-high 24 points, 17 of which came in the second half during the decisive stretch. Hamoda added 20 points, including his momentum-shifting buzzer-beater before halftime, while Trae English orchestrated the offense with seven points and seven assists.
Despite the loss, New Orleans delivered several strong individual performances and areas of encouragement. Benson was electric in the first half, finishing with a team-high 26 points, 22 of which came before the break. His scoring outburst kept the Privateers level during the game’s most competitive stretch and set the tone offensively.
TJ Cope and MJ Thomas each chipped in 12 points, with Thomas continuing his steady interior presence. One notable statistical advantage for New Orleans came on the glass, as the Privateers out-rebounded Nicholls 37–23, creating extra possessions and second-chance opportunities throughout the contest. Coquia added nine points while providing energy and spacing on the perimeter.
Ultimately, the difference came down to shot-making at critical moments. While New Orleans matched Nicholls early and controlled the rebounding battle, the Colonels’ sustained shooting run to open the second half created a cushion the Privateers could not fully erase.
With the result, New Orleans turns its attention quickly to the road as conference play continues.
Next Up:
The Privateers travel to Hammond to face Southeastern on Monday night, with tipoff set for 6 p.m., looking to bounce back and regain momentum in Southland Conference action.
