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Nicholls State running back Kyran Irvin (30) carries the ball against Texas A&M during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game …

Nicholls State has not needed any help in its run to the top of the Southland Conference men's hoops standings, but UNO may provide it. The status of star forward Travin Thibodeaux and two other starters was unclear Friday after they sat out Wednesday's loss to Sam Houston State for unspecified disciplinary reasons. 

After UNO broke a Texas stranglehold in Southland Conference men's basketball last year, all three local h teams look like contenders this season, combining to go 7-1 early. UNO and Southeastern h are the only undefeated teams in the league, and Nicholls State had its most lopsided conference win in school history.