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HOUSTON – Senior Anthony Odunsi scored 16 points and junior Reveal Chukwujekwu finished with 10, as the HBU men's basketball team picked up their first win over Nicholls since 1986 in a 78-69 decision on Wednesday night inside Sharp Gym.
 
The victory snaps a five-game losing streak against the Colonels (5-12, 1-2 SLC), as the Huskies (9-7, 4-0 SLC) remain unbeaten in conference play and improve to 8-0 on their home court, tying their best start since 2007-08.
 
Odunsi led HBU offensively, hitting five shots from the floor and turning in a perfect 6-for-6 mark at the free throw line. The native of Sugar Land, Texas, recorded 14 points in the second half and also led all with five assists on the evening.
 
Chukwujekwu rounded out the Huskies' double figure scoring, shooting 4-for-8 from the field and adding two makes at the charity stripe, as junior Colter Lasher and freshman Asa Cantwell each finished with nine points off the bench. Lasher shot 3-for-7 from the floor and 3-for-4 at the charity stripe, while Cantwell splashed three makes from the outside. Lasher also pulled down six rebounds.
 
Sophomore Josh Ibarra played solid on both ends of the floor, posting eight points and eight boards, with seven coming on the defensive end. Freshman Isaiah Robinson recorded five points, four rebounds and issued four second-half blocks.
 
HBU shot 50.0 percent (30-60) from the field, 30.8 percent (4-13) from behind the arc and 58.3 percent (14-24) at the line. The Huskies held a 42-30 advantage in the paint and outscored the Colonels 33-22 off the bench.
 
The first half proved to be a game of runs, as Nicholls took an 8-2 lead over the first 2:21 to open things up. HBU followed with a 10-0 run over the next four minutes to take its first lead and hold a 12-8 advantage, but the Colonels quickly responded with a 12-4 surge. Down 20-16, the Huskies outscored Nicholls 17-7 over the final six minutes to enter the lockerroom on top, 33-27.
 
HBU never trailed in the second half and led by as much as 18 points en route to the 78-69 victory.
 
The Huskies, tied with Sam Houston atop the conference standings, will now embark on a three-game road swing with visits to New Orleans (Jan. 16), Central Arkansas (Jan. 19) and Lamar (Jan. 23). HBU's game at UNO will be broadcast on ESPN3.
 
Postgame Quotes – Head Coach Ron Cottrell
Opening comments…
"Tonight was an interesting game, because there was no real flow to it. Fouls dictated the game and it made it difficult for either team to get a rhythm going. But, then we closed the first half on a high note and came out strong in the second. I thought our zone, and defensive presence overall really helped us.
 
"It was our second group with Asa (Cantwell), Caleb (Crayton), Colter (Lasher), Trey (Patterson) and Isaiah (Robinson), who came in and did a number on Nicholls. When we went to those guys off the bench, they did a great job of guarding and finishing at the rim. They got us out to a 13-point lead and gave us the opportunity to get the win tonight."
 
On impact players off the bench…
"Well, Isaiah (Robinson) played great again. I don't know too many people on our level that has a shot-blocker like him that's a freshman. He can come in and really change the game defensively. Isaiah (Robinson) is such a compliment to Josh (Ibarra), who is such a great offensive player for us.
 
"I thought Caleb (Crayton) came in and gave us some great minutes defensively. He got a huge rebound there in the second half. He, a senior for us, has really turned into a guy who we can count on to get down and guard people, get big rebounds and knock down shots. His drive on the baseline when he went up and made the basket and drew the foul was a big emotional lift for us."
 
On upcoming game at New Orleans…
"Any time you play them anywhere, you know it is going to be a physical and hard-nosed game. UNO is playing well right now. Our guys are as prepared as they can be, but we have a few more days to get ready for this trip. Road games are always difficult, regardless of the opponent, but this is a great opportunity for us to try and get another win in conference play."