Nicholls Colonels Edge Northwestern State Demons 74-72
Monday, January 5, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · David R. Stopher Gymnasium
Nicholls Colonels 74, Northwestern State Demons 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels?
Nicholls Colonels beat Northwestern State Demons 74-72 at David R. Stopher Gymnasium on January 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Northwestern State Demons vs Nicholls Colonels?
Nicholls Colonels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -440 (about 81% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Nicholls Colonels narrowly defeated the Northwestern State Demons with a final score of 74-72. This game was played at the David R. Stopher Gymnasium, showcasing the Colonels’ ability to secure a hard-fought victory at home. The win marked Nicholls' third consecutive victory, improving their record to 8-8, while the Demons fell to 4-12.
The Colonels have shown a strong performance in their recent games, finishing their last ten outings with a record of 6-4. They have averaged 80.8 points scored per game while allowing 74.6 points, indicating a high-scoring style of play. Their recent form includes victories over teams like the East Texas A&M Lions, UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders. Notably, they have maintained an impressive home record of 4-0 in their last four games at the Stopher Gymnasium, with an average of 77.6 points scored and 71.4 points allowed in their last five games.
On the other hand, the Demons have struggled throughout the season, holding a record of 4-11. Their recent form reflects this struggle, with a record of 3-7 over their last ten games. They have averaged 71.6 points scored and allowed 75.6 points during this stretch. Their most recent victory came against the LSU New Orleans Privateers, where they won 74-68. However, their away record stands at just 1-4, showcasing the challenges they face outside their home venue.
Historically, the Colonels have faced the Demons twice in the previous season, losing both encounters. The first meeting was a close game that ended 66-68, while the second was less favorable, with a final score of 60-72. This ongoing rivalry added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as Nicholls sought to break their losing streak against Northwestern State.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have significant implications for both teams. The market for this game, as provided by DraftKings, had Nicholls favored by 8.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The moneyline odds reflected a strong belief in the Colonels, listed at -440 for a straight win, while the Demons were at +340.
The conditions during the game were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams eager to establish their rhythm early. Viewers witnessed a back-and-forth contest, highlighted by key scoring plays in the second half. Micah Thomas made crucial layups for the Demons, while Sincere Malone's free throws helped the Colonels maintain their lead late in the game. The final moments saw Jalin Rice secure the victory with a pair of free throws, sealing the game at 74-72.
Overall, this matchup was significant not only for the standings but also for the psychological edge it provided Nicholls over their rivals. The Colonels' ability to win in a close game will serve as a confidence booster as they look to build on their recent success.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NICH -8.5 | 144.5 o -112 / u -108 | Northwestern State Demons +340 · Nicholls Colonels -440 |
Leaders
- PointsJaylen Searles18Nicholls Colonels
- AssistsJaylen Searles3Nicholls Colonels
- ReboundsJalik Dunkley7Nicholls Colonels
- PointsMicah Thomas29Northwestern State Demons
- AssistsWillie Williams4Northwestern State Demons
- ReboundsWillie Williams12Northwestern State Demons
Recent form
Nicholls Colonels
Last 10: 6-4Streak W380.8 scored · 74.6 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W80-58vs East Texas A&M LionsJan 3
- W71-69at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosDec 31
- W76-71at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersDec 30
- L82-95at Pacific TigersDec 22
- W79-64vs Houston Christian HuskiesDec 18
- W117-49vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 11
- W74-67vs Incarnate Word CardinalsDec 6
- L76-96at Creighton BluejaysDec 3
- L72-82at Tulane Green WaveNov 28
- L81-95at Oklahoma State CowboysNov 22
Northwestern State Demons
Last 10: 3-7Streak W171.6 scored · 75.6 allowed per game1-4 away
- W74-68vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersJan 3
- L64-74vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksDec 31
- L61-76vs Lamar CardinalsDec 30
- W108-55vs Southern New Orleans KnightsDec 20
- L70-79at California Golden BearsDec 13
- W76-68at SE Louisiana LionsDec 7
- L54-92at McNeese CowboysDec 6
- L73-75vs Southern JaguarsNov 29
- L72-85at Grand Canyon LopesNov 22
- L64-84at San Francisco DonsNov 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 28-6 | - | 20-2 |
| McNeese | 28-6 | 1 | 19-3 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 19-14 | 6 | 14-8 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 18-15 | 7 | 13-9 |
| LSU New Orleans | 15-18 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Nicholls | 14-19 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Houston Christian | 12-20 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Northwestern State | 10-22 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Incarnate Word | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| Lamar | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| East Texas A&M | 11-21 | 14 | 6-16 |
| SE Louisiana | 9-22 | 14 | 6-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Northwestern State Demons | Nicholls Colonels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-56 | 27-54 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 5-22 | 5-21 |
| Three-point % | 23 | 24 |
| Free throws | 15-21 | 15-31 |
| Free throw % | 71 | 48 |
| Rebounds | 36 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 11 | 12 |
| Steals | 5 | 7 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 16 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 42 |
| Fouls | 24 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 30 | 54 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half37-43Willie Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half39-43Micah Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half41-43Willie Williams makes layup
- 2nd Half44-43Izzy Miles makes 25-foot three point jumper (Landyn Jumawan assists)
- 2nd Half45-43Izzy Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-43Izzy Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-45Sincere Malone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-45Micah Thomas makes 27-foot three point jumper (Chris Mubiru assists)
- 2nd Half49-47Sincere Malone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-47Micah Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-48Jaylen Searles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-49Jaylen Searles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-49Kordrick Turner makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half53-52Jaylen Searles makes 23-foot three point jumper (Christian Winborne assists)
- 2nd Half54-52Kordrick Turner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-52Kordrick Turner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-55Jaylen Searles makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zee Hamoda assists)
- 2nd Half56-55Micah Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-55Micah Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Jalik Dunkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-57Jalik Dunkley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-57Willie Williams makes layup (Chris Mubiru assists)
- 2nd Half59-59Jaylen Searles makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-59Micah Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-59Micah Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-61Jalin Rice makes layup
- 2nd Half63-61Chris Mubiru makes layup
- 2nd Half63-63Jalin Rice makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-65Jalik Dunkley makes layup (Sincere Malone assists)
- 2nd Half63-67Sincere Malone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-69Nick Krass makes layup (Jaylen Searles assists)
- 2nd Half65-69Micah Thomas makes layup (Willie Williams assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Micah Thomas makes layup
- 2nd Half67-71Jalik Dunkley makes layup
- 2nd Half68-71Chip Brunt makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-71Micah Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half70-72Sincere Malone makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-73Sincere Malone makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-73Micah Thomas makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half72-74Jalin Rice makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Nicholls Colonels, below favours Northwestern State Demons.
Venue
- David R. Stopher GymnasiumThibodaux, LA
- Attendance511
- OfficialsEarnie Pheal, Talmadge Scott, K.B. Burdett Jr.
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