Ward, Bell lead Nicholls past McNeese State 71-56

THIBODAUX, La. (AP) Adam Ward and Johnathan Bell scored 15 points apiece as Nicholls rolled over McNeese State 71-56 on Saturday to halt a seven-game losing streak.

Ward, who grabbed eight rebounds, was 5 of 5 from the floor and 5 of 8 from the free throw line. Bell made 6 of 8 field goals. Liam Thomas scored nine points and hauled down 12 rebounds for Nicholls (6-18, 2-8 Southland Conference), which last won when it got past Abilene Christian 63-62 on Jan. 9.

Leading 39-32 at the break, Nicholls started the second half with a 26-11 run to go up 65-43 with 7:00 left.

The Colonels shot 48 percent from the floor while limiting McNeese State to 19-of-60 shooting. Nicholls also won the rebound battle 48-30.

James Harvey had 15 points and Jarren Greenwood added 13 for McNeese State (5-15, 3-7), which has lost three straight.