HAMMOND, La. – Despite a late rally, the Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team couldn't overcome shooting 34 percent (17-for-49) in a 69-58 loss Saturday afternoon to Nicholls at the University Center.
 
The Lions (4-12, 1-4 Southland) were led by junior Pape Diop. The Senegal Native scored 16 points on 4-for-9 shooting including 8-for-12 from the free throw line. Senior Von Julien added 14 points while freshman Byron Smith chipped in with 10 points and two steals.
 
The Colonels (11-6, 5-1) were led by Kevin Johnson with 16 points including four three-pointers. Sophomore Warithe Alatishe had a double-double scoring 14 points and ripping down 16 rebounds while Dexter McClanahan had 14 points.
 
SLU struggled in the first half offensively, shooting 7-for-22 from the field. But the Lions' defense kept them in the game as they held the Colonels to 12-for-31 from the field. Nicholls had a 34-28 lead at halftime.
 
The Colonels pushed their lead to as much as 12 in the second half on several occasions. But SLU refused to quit cutting the deficit to three, 61-58, with 3:18 remaining. Nicholls, however, finished the game on an 8-0 run to outlast the Lions.
 
The Colonels outrebounded the Lions 40-27. SLU stayed in the game by converting 20 of 28 from the free throw line. But Nicholls was equally impressive making 15 of 18 free throws. Nicholls finished the game 24-for-54 from the field including eight three-pointers.
 
Next up, the Lions will face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (5-10, 2-3 Southland) Wednesday at the University Center at 7 p.m. SLU defeated the Islanders, 84-80, Jan. 4 on the road.
 
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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