NSU relishing ranking as ball thieves

The Nicholls State Colonels have gotten away with stealing all season long.

And they don’t plan on getting caught.

In fact, their thievery has gained the university national attention.

Against the Central Arkansas Bears last week, sophomore Kellen Carter picked off a pass at the 15:22 mark of the opening quarter and took it up court for an easy layup.

Against the Northwestern State Demons, the Colonels did it again, notching nine steals in an 85-69 win.

The picks provided further proof that when it comes to turnovers, the Colonels are getting a “steal” of a deal.

As a team, Nicholls ranks sixth in the nation in steals, averaging nine per game. With its peak defensive performance, the Colonels have managed to create multiple fast-break opportunities and a number of uncontested layups.

With 168 steals to their credit this season, the Colonels matched last season’s total victories (10) with nearly a dozen games still to play.

“We never say, ‘Hey, go for the steal,'” Nicholls’ head coach J.P. Piper said. “What we tell them is, ‘Hey, if you are where you are supposed to be or in position, then you are going to get steals. We’ve been doing that, and those steals make a difference.

“(Steals) can mean an eight or nine point swing,” he added. “That is the difference between a win and a loss.”

Piper credits Carter, who individually ranks 14th in the country in takeaways, for doing the right things and being in the right place when he should be.

The sophomore averages three steals a game, and finished the night with three against the Bears and Demons.

He’s totaled 48 steals in 18 games midway through the season.

“Kellen is just remarkable,” Piper said. “He has quick hands, quick feet and is always in the right spot. That’s why he is averaging three steals a game.”

Carter, however, is quick to pass on the praise.

“I give all the credit to our team defense,” he said. “When everyone is in the right position, it makes things that much easier.”

Senior Justin Payne is right behind Carter in the steals department, averaging two per game.

The Colonels’ 16 steals combined led to 28 points. They also contributed to the team’s 50 points off of turnovers, which proved to be the difference in the games.

With the steals, the Colonels were able to outscore Central Arkansas 30-18 in the paint, something critical in every game, Piper said.

“I thought it was important to get out to the early starts,” Piper said. “I was definitely pleased with our efforts on the defensive end. With all due respect to Central Arkansas, our team played with a chip on their shoulder.”

The win put the Colonels back in the conference hunt following two straight losses. As long as his team can continue to force turnovers and get the steals when the opportunity presents itself, Piper remains optimistic.

“Steals lead to easy shots,” he said. “And when you get that you certainly give yourself a better chance to win.”

If Carter has his way, that trend will continue.

“We’re doing well right now,” he said. “The steals are only a small part of it. We don’t plan on letting up now.”