I remember … we all remember
October 11, 2016
Reunion goes right for Tarpons at Morgan City
October 11, 2016
College basketball season is less than a month away.
When that time comes, Nicholls State University will be busy showcasing themselves against some of the top teams in the country.
Colonels coach Richie Riley released his 2016-17 schedule this week – one that will heavily challenge the team throughout the season.
Nicholls opens its season on Nov. 11 at Boston College.
After that, the team will face several elite programs, which is by design, according to Riley, who said he wants his team to peak before Southland play.
“We know with this being our first year, it’s going to take some time,” Riley said in the offseason. “But we want to challenge ourselves early, then play our best when it matters most. We want to play with energy and at a level of competitiveness the community attracts itself to. We’re eager to get going.”
Before league play, the Colonels will be tested heavily.
In November, Nicholls will take trips to Boston College, Central Florida, and New Mexico State, while also playing in a couple of tournaments along the way.
The Colonels will compete in the San Diego Classic, against host San Diego. They’ll also take on Bethune-Cookman and Samford in a two-game trek to Birmingham in late-November.
Before the tournaments, Nicholls will open its home schedule on Nov. 17 while taking on Mississippi College at Stopher Gym.
In December, the Colonels’ schedule doesn’t let up, and they’ll take on UL-Lafayette, Florida State and Texas Tech – all on the road.
But the Colonels do play four home games in that month, including the conference opener against Incarnate Word on New Year’s Eve.
In league play, the Colonels will play three-straight road games from Jan. 7-14 – a stretch which may define the team’s season.
They take on Sam Houston State, Northwestern State and Stephen F. Austin in the run.
The Colonels also play three-straight road tilts from Feb. 1-11 when the travel to battle Southeastern, UNO and then Central Arkansas.
The back-end of Nicholls season is predominantly at home, which may help the team get some late momentum.
The Colonels close with four of their final six games at home, including matchups with Central Arkansas, Northwestern State, Southeastern and UNO.
Riley said the early challenges will get the team ready to try and chase the Southland Conference crown.
Nicholls has a talented roster full of returnees from last year’s team, including Liam Thomas and Adam Ward.
The team also brought in a talented recruiting class filled with players who are expected to make an immediate impact.
Those players hope to bring the team back to the Southland Conference Tournament and then once they’re there, they aim to win it.
“It’s an exciting time for us,” Riley said. “We think we’re in a position to do great things right here in Thibodaux, Louisiana.” •
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