Nicholls Colonels (10-6, 4-1 Southland) at SLU Lions (4-11, 1-3 Southland)
Jan. 11, 2019 | 4 p.m. | Hammond, Louisiana | University Center (7,500)
Series History: Lions Lead 57-46
Last Meeting: Nicholls 69, Lions 63 (March 9, 2019 – Thibodaux, La.)
Watch: Southeastern Sports Network
Radio: 90.9 FM KSLU – Chris Salim
 
HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team returns home Saturday afternoon to face in-state rival Nicholls at 4 p.m. in the University Center in the second half of a double-header also featuring the SLU women and Nicholls at 1 p.m.
 
Saturday is Youth Day as all fans 12 and under will receive free admission to both games. Any fan with a current valid middle school, junior high or high school ID receives admission for $3.
 
The Lions (4-11, 1-3 Southland) lost a tough one Wednesday night on the road to reigning Southland Conference regular season champs, Sam Houston State, 67-62. Southeastern was in control early holding a 15-point first half advantage and led 38-25 at halftime. But the Bearkats (11-5, 4-1 Southland) overcame 12 three-pointers (12-for-23) by the Lions and outscored SLU 42-24 in the second half. Ty Brewer led Southeastern with 18 points and seven rebounds while preseason first team All-Southland selection Kai Mitchell paced SHSU with 19 points.
 
Despite the loss, Southeastern comes into the matchup with the Colonels a much improved team. Over the last two games, the Lions have led for 71:19 of 80 minutes of action. SLU led Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for the final 36:15 of Saturday's win. The Lions led SHSU for 35:04 of Wednesday's game.
 
Brewer (6-7, 210, F), a sophomore, continues to be one of the Southland's top scorers and rebounders. The Meridian, Mississippi native is averaging 17.0 points (third in the Southland) and 8.27 rebounds per game (fourth). SLU senior Von Julien continues to lead the conference in assists (74) after dishing out seven Wednesday at SHSU.
 
The Colonels (10-6, 4-1 Southland) enter Saturday's game winners of three straight following a 61-52 victory Wednesday night on the road over Lamar (8-8, 2-3 Southland). Nicholls was led by Dexter McClanahan (6-4, 185, G) with 17 points while the Colonels converted 26 points off turnovers. McClanahan, a senior, leads the team in scoring averaging 15.2 points per game. McClanahan is not alone as the Colonels possess a well-rounded starting lineup. Sophomore Warithe Alatishe (6-7, 200) is third in the conference in rebounding (8.4 rpg) while junior Kevin Johnson (6-0, 160) is second behind Julien in assists with 56.
 
The Lions lead the all-time series with the Colonels, 57-46. The two teams split last year with SLU winning, 91-70, at the University Center while Nicholls defeated the Lions, 69-63, in the regular season finale in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
 
Fans can follow the play-by-play of the game on 90.9 FM KSLU. The Southeastern Sports Network will offer a free video stream of Saturday's game. Tune in online at www.LionSports.net or the Lions' Gameday Experience app for Android or iOS devices. Fans can also watch on Southeastern's YouTube channel (SLUathletics) with any mobile, tablet or smart TV device (e.g., Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV and Roku).
 
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
For more information on Southeastern Basketball, follow @LionUpMBB and @DavidKieferSLU on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.