Northwestern State knocks off Nicholls State 86-73

NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) - DeQuan Hicks scored 17 points and pulled down nine rebounds as Northwestern State knocked off Nicholls State 86-73 Saturday.

Northwestern State cruised to a 45-32 halftime advantage and led 74-61 with 7:35 remaining following a 3-pointer by Gary Stewart. Nicholls then scored ten unanswered points to close to 74-71 with 3:34 left. Northwestern answered as Patrick Robinson made a layup, Jalan West made a free throw and Brison White made a layup, a free throw and a dunk to extend the lead to 82-71 with 1:37 remaining. West finished with 12 points and nine assists and White added 11 points and had a career-high five steals.

Northwestern (11-11, 7-4 Southland Conference), which started the conference slate with a 1-4 record, has now won six straight games and is only two games out of second place.

Dantrell Thomas had 28 points and 10 rebounds for Nicholls (10-10, 7-4).