Second half free throws beats SHSU 56-53
Published: Thursday, February 28, 2013
Updated: Friday, March 8, 2013 14:03
Despite shooting 33 percent from the free throw line in the first half, second half free throw baskets edged out a 56-53 win for Nicholls State over Sam Houston State Thursday night.
Dantrell Thomas posted 22 points for the Colonels and shot for 75 percent at the line.
A slow first half, and an exchange of fouls, gave the Bearkats an early lead going 20-17 into halftime, but late appearances from NSU shooters gave the Colonels late game momentum.
Bearkat forward James Thomas kept the Bearkats within two throughout the second half with 17 points on the night, but couldn’t find help late in the game from Paul Baxter or Darius Gatson. Will Bond exploded at the perimeter draining two consecutive three-pointers at the top of the second half.
Center Michael Holyfield maintained strong defensive presence inside the paint with three blocks, but perimeter defense collapsed for SHSU as NSU shot 80 percent beyond the arc in the second half.
An exchange of fouls in the remaining minutes opened a hole for SHSU to go ahead with multiple trips to the line but was answered quickly by NSU’s offense.
SHSU will remain in Huntsville to square off against Southeastern Louisiana Saturday at 3:45 p.m.
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