Nicholls State shuts down Central Arkansas 78-67

Feb 1, 2014, 06:48 pm

THIBODAUX, La. -- Sam McBeath scored 20 points and Dantrell Thomas added 19 with 10 rebounds and five assists as Nicholls State defeated Central Arkansas 78-67 Saturday.

The Colonels (10-8, 7-2 Southland Conference) shot 51 percent from the field and were 21 of 23 from the foul line. Jeremy Smith finished with 16 points.

Central Arkansas (5-15, 2-7) shot 43.4 percent and was led by LeQuentin Miles with 22 points and eight rebounds. DeShone McClure chipped in 15 points.

Nursing a three-point lead in the second half, McBeath sank a 3-pointer and Smith converted a three-point play to make it 62-53 at the midway mark. The Bears surged back within two after a McClure layup, making it 66-64 with 4:17 left.

Nicholls State rolled from there, closing the game on a 12-3 run. Central Arkansas finished cold, missing five field goal attempts and three free throws in the final four minutes.