COMMERCE, Texas (Interstat) — Nicholls State built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce second-half rally to defeat Texas A&M-Commerce 72-68 in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Saturday.

The Colonels led 34-24 at halftime after holding the Lions to 22-of-59 shooting for the game. Texas A&M-Commerce surged with 44 second-half points, but Nicholls State answered each run. Sincere Malone led the Colonels with 16 points. Jalik Dunkley and Zee Hamoda added 20 and 18 points, respectively.

Ronnie Harrison scored a game-high 20 points for the Lions. Gianni Hunt added 16 points and seven assists. Nicholls State improved to 9-13. Texas A&M-Commerce fell to 8-14.