BEAUMONT, Texas -- Roddy Peters and Tevon Saddler combined to score 50 points and Nicholls took over first-place in the Southland Conference after turning away Lamar, 79-74 on Wednesday night.

The Colonels entered the game tied with Southeastern Louisiana, but the Lions lost to Sam Houston State, 75-65, leaving Nicholls a half-game ahead of New Orleans, a 73-67 winner over Northwestern State.

Lafayette Rutledge hit a 3-pointer with :25 left in the first half to send the Colonels into intermission with a 45-42 lead. Peters hit 9 of 11 from the field and 10 of 12 from the line to scored 28 points for Nicholls (13-8, 7-1). Saddler made 9 of 15 from the field, including 3 of 4 from distance to add 22 points while grabbing 16 rebounds.

Colton Weisbrod scored 28 points to lead Lamar (12-9, 4-4), with Nick Garth adding 15 and Josh Nzeakor 12.