Denver vs Nicholls State Prediction - College Basketball Picks 11/15/23

Denver bounced back well in game two versus Cal Poly. The Pioneers had a great first half with a 51-33 edge and cruised from there in an eventual win 97-76. Bruner led the team this time with 28 points and five rebounds. Jaxon Brenchley added 14 points, and Tainamo almost doubled again with 13 points and nine boards.

Nicholls State Colonels

Over on the Nicholls State side, they had a disappointing opener at Devlin Fieldhouse against Tulane. The Colonels were within four points at halftime but ultimately didn’t get closer in a 91-81 loss. Nicholls State shot well with 48.4 percent from the field in that one and led the rebounding 43-34 but also had 18 turnovers.

Nicholls State looked much better in their second game versus LSU at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Colonels jumped out to a 44-25 lead at the break and were able to hold on for the win 68-66. Tops in scoring was Diante Smith with 18 points and six rebounds. Jalen White added 17 points with six boards.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK

I’ll probably stay with Nicholls State—so long as they don’t have a hangover from that nice road win over LSU, that is. The Colonels shot a decent 42.9 percent from the floor in that one with a 32-31 rebounding edge, but also had 20 turnovers. The 93.3 percent shooting from the line (14-of-15) and 40 percent (12-of-30) from 3-point range certainly helped.

As for Denver, they posted a solid game versus Cal Poly in their last outing with five different players finishing in double-figures. If this one turns into a shootout I think the Pioneers can follow along, but otherwise I like Nicholls State to put the clamps down defensively and cover.