DUDLEY, Mass. (11/12/2025) - The Nichols College men's basketball team fought hard in their second non-conference loss to Rivier University on Wednesday, at the Nichols Athletic Center.

Following the loss, the Bison now sit at 0-2 for the season, still seated with a clean record in conference play 0-0. The Raiders improve from their win over Nichols, a 2-1 record to start.

Senior Javen Flowers-Smith led the Bison in scoring tonight, producing a 28 point game. Flowers-Smith and Dominic Mello each led the team in the assist category with 4 apiece. Second leading scorer on the night for the Bison was Luke Chapman with his 11 points, shooting an efficient 3-4 outside the arc. Chapman also proved his efficiency on the glass with his team-high 10 rebounds, posting a first double-double for the junior's career. Flowers-Smith played the other side oft he ball, leading the team with 2 steals and marking a chase-down block converting into a fast break score. Cassidy Bonsu held the honor for most blocks with his 2. 24 of Nichols' points came from the fast break, a highlight for the offense. As a team the Bison shot 29-75 (38.7%) from the field, 5-7  (18.5%) from the three, and 5-11 (45.5%0 from the free throw line.

The Bison opened up the game in the first half with momentum. The Bison were able to head to the locker room with a 2 point lead finishing 33-31 at the buzzer. The offense saw it's productivity through the fast break, featuring a steal from from Flowers with four minutes remaining that was converted into an and-one layup finish to but the Bison up by 4. The team saw early foul trouble, sending the Raiders to the line on shooting fouls 4 times. 

To start the second half of the contest, the Raiders started to break-through. Rivier saw success in two separate occasions, going on an 8 points unanswered run early in the second half, following by 6-0 run shortly after. The Raiders produced their biggest lead of the night at the 4:10 mark, a 20-point lead with little time remaining. The Bison also found themselves in double-digit foul trouble, a contributor the final score of 82-68. Despite the team's loss, Nichols sees individual success and momentum in multiple players.

The men's basketball team will continue their home campaign on Saturday, November 15th against non-conference opponent Bridgewater State University. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM at the Nichols Athletic Center.