Bell scores late, Nicholls beats Abilene Christian 63-62

Jan 9, 2016, 06:59 pm

THIBODAUX, La. -- Johnathan Bell drove for a layup in the final minutes to give Nicholls a 63-62 win over Abilene Christian to stop a four-game losing skid on Saturday.

Nicholls, up 29-20 at the half, pushed its lead to 50-33 at the 13:07 mark.

ACU's Parker Wentz, who hit five treys in the second half, nailed his last one to tie the score at 60 with 3:13 remaining. Bell split free throws and made a layup off a Liam Thomas' assists for the winning margin. ACU's Jaylen Franklin missed a layup with six seconds left.

T.J. Carpenter led Nicholls (5-11, 1-1 Southland Conference) with 16 points. Bell and Ja'Dante' Frye had 11 apiece and K.C. Caudill chipped in 10.

Wentz, who hit 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, finished with 17 points. Franklin added 14 and Duran Porter had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Wildcats (6-9, 1-1).