Southeastern Louisiana (0-1) vs. (#10 in NAIA) William Carey (1-2)
Friday, Nov. 9, 2018 | 7 p.m. | Hammond, La. | University Center
Series History: SLU 8-3
Last Meeting: SLU 74, William Carey 68 (Hammond, La. – Jan. 2, 2010)
Television: None
Radio: Southeastern Sports Radio Network (KSLU 90.9)
Live Video
Live Audio
Live Stats
                                                                                                         
HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team will look to bounce back after their season opening loss at 23^rd-ranked LSU when they open the home portion of their schedule Friday at 7 p.m. against William Carey University.
 
The Lions (0-1) have won the last four home openers under fifth-year head coach Jay Ladner including last year's 99-67 rout of Centenary.
 
"It's very important that we get off to a good start Friday," said Ladner. "But it's got to start with effort and defense and not just Friday, it starts with practice and how we correct the things that happened against LSU leading up to Friday's game. We have got to get better and while we're disappointed in the way things went in the opener, we certainly aren't ready to throw in the towel at all. We still are very confident that we can be a very good basketball team and it's certainly nothing to hang our heads about losing to a team the caliber of LSU. They are a team that has four NBA prospects and a team that many think will make a run for the Final Four. But we're anxious to get back on the floor Friday and are expecting a great challenge from William Carey."
 
Despite the tough night against LSU, freshman Parker Edwards had a night that won't soon be forgotten. A native of Mandeville, Louisiana, Edwards drilled six 3-pointers in just 10 minutes scoring 25 points.
 
"It was pretty incredible," said Ladner. "But we knew he was capable of that because he lights it up in practice all the time. He can really shoot the ball and it showed Tuesday night."
 
As for Friday's opponent, SLU defeated Carey last year in an exhibition 80-71 at the University Center thanks to 21 points from senior Marlain Veal and 20 from former Lion Eddy Polanco. The Lions lead the all-time series 8-3 with the last regular season match-up coming Jan. 2, 2010; a 74-68 Lions' win at the University Center.
 
Both the Lions and Crusaders are coming off remarkable 2017-18 seasons. SLU finished 22-12 and won the Southland Conference regular season championship. Carey went on to finish the season 25-6 and win the Southern States Athletic Conference under 37^th-year head coach Steve Knight.
 
Both teams have plenty of newcomers. The Lions return just six letter winners from last year's conference winning team. The Crusaders bring back just three of the 16 players from the 2017-18 roster.
 
"They have a great head coach that is well respected," said Ladner. "He has been there for 35 plus years and while they may have a new roster we fully expect Steve (Knight) to have them come in Friday ready to play."
 
Links for live stats and play-by-play are available for Friday's game on the men's basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.
 
HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB
 
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners.
 
All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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