ABILENE, Texas – The Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team committed 24 turnovers in a loss to Abilene Christian University, 76-55, Saturday night on the road at Moody Coliseum.
 
The Lions (5-13, 2-5 Southland) fell behind, 17-4, to start the game and never recovered as they trailed 42-20 at halftime. SLU's 24 turnovers also led to 22 ACU points. Southeastern was led by Max Romanov and Byron Smith with 10 points each.
 
The Wildcats (10-7, 5-1 Southland) had 12 different players score led by Joe Pleasant with 12 points who also had seven assists. Payten Ricks (6-2, Sr., G), a preseason first team All-Southland selection, had 10 points and three steals.
 
ACU, who improved to 8-2 at Moody Coliseum this year, led by as much as 32 in the second half, 52-20. SLU didn't throw in the towel as they went on a 10-0 run making it, 52-30. The Lions, however, never got closer than 21 as the Wildcats cruised to the win.
 
Southeastern finished 18-for-49 (36 percent) from the field and 4-for-20 from the three-point line. However, the Lions outrebounded the Wildcats, 32-30, and shot 15-for-19 from the free throw line.
 
Abilene Christian shot 53 percent (27-for-51) for the game while scoring 44 points in the paint.
 
Despite the loss, Southeastern still leads the all-time series with ACU, 9-4. The Lions and Wildcats will meet again Saturday, Feb. 22 at the University Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
 
Next up, the Lions will return home to face McNeese (9-9, 4-3 Southland) Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The Cowboys defeated New Orleans, 65-52, Saturday night 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
For more information on Southeastern Basketball, follow @LionUpMBB and @DavidKieferSLU on Twitter, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.