SAN ANTONIO (Interstat) — Nicholls State built a large first-half lead and withstood a fierce second-half rally to defeat Incarnate Word 91-83 in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at McDermott Convocation Center.

The Colonels led 46-30 at halftime, but the Cardinals surged after the break, outscoring Nicholls State 53-45 in the second half behind a game-high 24 points from Jordan Pyke. The Colonels’ efficient offense, which shot 60.7% from the field, proved decisive. Zee Hamoda led Nicholls State with 18 points.

Nicholls State improved to 11-15 overall, while Incarnate Word fell to 10-16.