THIBODAUX, La. (Interstat) — New Orleans built a double-digit halftime lead and never looked back, defeating Nicholls State 80-62 in a Southland Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at Stopher Gym.

The Privateers led 39-29 at halftime and maintained control throughout the second half before an announced crowd of 915. Churchill Abass scored 20 points to lead New Orleans, which improved to 9-13. MJ Thomas added 16 points and Jakevion Buckley had 14 points and six assists.

Zee Hamoda scored 19 points for the Colonels, who fell to 8-13. The result avenged a 90-77 home loss for New Orleans against Nicholls State on Jan. 10. The Privateers dominated inside, outscoring the Colonels 44-20 in the paint.