Thibodaux — The Northwestern State basketball team made a strong effort but fell short, losing 74-72 to Nicholls in a close Southland Conference match at Stopher Gymnasium.
“It was a typical Southland game with two good teams,” said Coach Rick Cabrera. “The team that made the right plays at the end won. We had our chances, but we couldn’t stop them when it mattered most.”
The game started with both teams trading points. Junior Izzy Miles and senior Micah Thomas helped Northwestern race to a 25-24 lead with under seven minutes left in the first half. But Nicholls responded with a powerful 13-0 run late in the half, building a 40-31 lead before the break. They capitalized on Northwestern’s nine turnovers, scoring 12 fast-break points.
In the second half, Northwestern quickly fought back. Willie Williams scored six points in the first four minutes, triggering a 13-3 run that brought the score to 43-41. Miles then hit a three-pointer, giving Northwestern its first lead since the first half.
Cabrera noted, “We took better care of the ball, were more aggressive, and got stops. We didn’t need a lot of plays because we were scoring quickly.”
In fact, Northwestern dominated inside, outscoring Nicholls 24-20 in the paint during the second half. They also shot 78.6% from the free-throw line, adding pressure to the Colonels.
The game continued to be tight, with both teams exchanging leads. Nicholls managed a brief six-point lead with under four minutes to go, but Thomas’s quick scores brought Northwestern back within two. Although they trimmed the deficit to one point with just seconds left, the final buzzer rang before they could secure a win.
Thomas had a standout performance with 29 points, tying his career high. He scored 19 in the second half alone. Williams also contributed with a double-double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
“Micah and Willie are strong players. They put in a lot of effort. We need more support from the rest of the team,” Cabrera said.
Despite the loss, the Demons showed potential. They shot 46.4% overall and led in rebounds (36-31). However, Nicholls’ advantage in fast-break points (14-4) and bench scoring (23-11) made a difference.
“Our margin for error is slim, especially on the road. I believe we can compete, but we need to be smarter and tougher,” Cabrera concluded.
User reactions on social media reflected a mix of disappointment and pride. Many fans expressed frustration over the close loss but acknowledged the team’s resilience.
In a broader basketball context, games like these highlight the competitive nature of college basketball, where every possession counts. Strategies and player performances can shift the outcome in critical moments. According to a recent NCAA report, fast-break points are often a key indicator of a team’s winning potential.
For more insights, check out the NCAA’s official stats on game trends here.
