McNeese Cowboys (9-3, 4-3 Southland) at SLU Lions (5-13, 2-5 Southland)
Jan. 22, 2019 | 7 p.m. | Hammond, La. | University Center (7,500)
Series History: McNeese Leads 64-48
Last Meeting: Lions 88, McNeese 52 – (Feb. 16, 2019 - Hammond, La.)
Watch: Southeastern Sports Network
Radio: None               

Live Video 

Live Stats             
 
HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team returns home Wednesday night to face in-state rival McNeese at 7 p.m. in the University Center in the first of two meetings this year between the two teams.
 
Southeastern Athletics and the SLU SGA will host a Back to School Tailgate prior to the game. Wednesday will also be a Cane's Challenge. If the Lions score 70 or more points versus the Cowboys, fans can redeem their game ticket or student coupon at their local participating Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers to receive a free combo with the purchase of another of equal or lesser value.
 
The Lions (5-13, 2-5 Southland) split two games last week defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 62-56, at home and dropping a road game to Abilene Christian, 76-55.
 
Southeastern overcame a nine-point second half deficit defeating A&M-Corpus Christi. The Lions held the Islanders to just three field goals in the final 14:13 and got six straight free throws in the last 24 seconds from freshman Byron Smith to seal the win. Saturday, the Lions fell behind ACU early and trailed 42-20 at halftime as the Wildcats cruised to the win.
 
SLU forward Ty Brewer (So., 6-7, 210, Meridian, Mississippi) continues to lead the Lions in scoring (15.4 ppg), rebounding (7.8 rpg), steals (27) field goals made (118), field goal percentage (.509) and blocked shots (11). Von Julien, a senior from Reserve, Louisiana, leads the Southland in assists (4.7 apg).
 
McNeese (9-9, 4-3 Southland) enters Wednesday's contest red-hot winning four straight games. The Cowboys defeated University of Incarnate Word at home and University of New Orleans on the road last week holding both teams to under 60 points.
 
The Cowboys are led by reigning Southland Conference Player of the Week Sha'Markus Kennedy. The senior recorded a pair of double-doubles last week scoring 12 points and grabbing 16 rebounds against UIW and had 21 points and 14 rebounds against UNO. Kennedy is fourth in the Southland in scoring (16.4 ppg) and leads the conference in rebounding (9.5) and is fourth in field goals made (112). Guard A.J. Lawson, a junior, is right behind Kennedy scoring 16.3 points per game. A Bryan, Texas native, Lawson is shooting 49 percent from the field (112-for-227).
 
McNeese leads the all-time series with the Lions, 64-48. However, the Lions have won the last three including a season sweep last year. SLU defeated the Cowboys, 74-71, on the road Jan. 19, 2019 and won at the University Center, 88-52, Feb. 16.
 
The Lions and Cowboys will meet again Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
 
The Southeastern Sports Network will offer a free video stream of Wednesday'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.