THIBODAUX, La. -- Adam Ward scored a career-high 17 points on 8-for-8 shooting to lead Nicholls State past Southeastern Louisiana for a 64-45 win Saturday that clinched a spot in the Southland Conference tournament.

Kyle Caudill added 10 points and T.J. Carpenter hauled in 10 rebounds for Nicholls State (10-22, 6-12), which shot 39 percent from the field but controlled the glass 44-35 in the regular season finale for both teams. It was the third straight win for the Colonels.

Leading by six at the break, Nicholls State took control in the second half with an 11-3 run capped with a 3-pointer from Quinton Thomas to make it 46-28 with 9:29 left. The margin remained in double figures the rest of the way.

Jordan Capps led Southeastern Louisiana (11-20, 9-9) with 11 points and eight rebounds. The Lions had already locked up the No. 5 seed in the conference tournament.