SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team used a 25-7 second-half scoring run to make it a one-possession game with 30 seconds left, but Nicholls State University held on for a 63-60 victory over the Cardinals on Thursday night at the McDermott Center.
 
Down by 21 with 12:15 left in the game, UIW rallied and cut the lead to 63-60 with 30 seconds remaining. The Cardinals attempted a 3-pointer with three seconds left, but the comeback fell short.
 
Three Cardinals scored in double digits, with RJ Glasper leading the charge at 13 points. Johnny Hughes III and Charlie Yoder both contributed 10 points. UIW was a perfect 17-17 on free throws.
 
Nicholls jumped out to an early 8-0 advantage, but Josh Morgan hit a deep three and scored three consecutive free throws to leave the Colonels up by two (8-6). Nicholls extended its lead again, but Glasper hit back-to-back jumpers, Yoder added a layup and Hughes III dunked the ball to make the score 18-17, Colonels. Down seven, the Cardinals used jumpers by Bradley Akhile and Glasper to make it a one-possession game, 24-21, Nicholls. The Colonels found their offensive stride late and took a 36-21 advantage into the break.
 
Nicholls maintained its intensity to start the second half. Hughes III scored the first eight points for the Cardinals, but the Colonel offense increased its lead to 48-29. UIW continued to battle, cutting a 21-point lead (56-35) to three (63-60), capped with a pair of free throws from Benjamin Griscti. UIW's final 3-point attempt was just off the mark as Nicholls secured the 63-60 win.
 
UP NEXT
The Cardinals are slated to host a 4 p.m. matchup against the University of New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 5, at the McDermott Center.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
 
Follow the team on Instagram @uiwmensbasketball and on Twitter @UIWMBB.