HAMMOND, La. – Despite a one hour and 42 minute power outage and a late rally by Northwestern State, the Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team picked up a 95-92 win Saturday afternoon at the University Center.
                                                                                            
The Lions (7-22, 4-14 Southland), once again, were led by junior Brandon Gonzalez who set a career-high for the third straight game. The Punta Gorda, Florida native finished with a game-high 25 points including six three-pointers.
 
"I feel like we've been doing a better job as a team of getting good shots," said Gonzalez. "And that's helped me because I'm not rushing my shot and getting good looks. But that's just as much a credit to my teammates as me."
 
SLU opened the game on fire as they hit 10 of their first 14 shots and had a commanding 36-19 lead with 7:08 left in the first half. As the two teams were going to their benches for the media timeout, the University Center went to total darkness after a transformer blew just a few blocks away. The two teams waited nearly two hours before play resumed.
 
The Demons (12-15, 9-9 Southland) quickly fought back after the delay as they cut the Lions' lead to seven, 47-40 at halftime. It didn't take NSU long to tie the game in the second half at 51-51 with 16:44 left in the game.
 
The Lions retook control of the game as they led, 78-68, with 7:32 to go. However, the Demons went on a 10-0 run to tie the game 78-78 with 5:01 to go. SLU and NSU traded leads over the next four minutes before the Demons took a 90-89 lead with 1:19 left.
 
SLU's Ty Brewer, who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, scored on a layup as the Lions seesawed back in front, 91-90. After a Demons' turnover, freshman Nick Caldwell made two clutch free throws with 14 seconds left. NSU's Trent Massner had a good look at a game-tying three but missed as SLU secured the win.
 
"I'm just really pleased with our guys' effort of late," said SLU men's basketball head coach David Kiefer. "Even though we are in last place, they have continued to compete and practice with great enthusiasm and energy. Just for us to play like we are competing for a conference championship even though we are out of the race says a lot about this team and its character."
 
The Demons were led by Jairus Roberson with 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting including five three-pointers. Massner added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
 
SLU finished the game 36-for-65 (55 percent) from the field while Northwestern State was 34-for-73 (46 percent).

The win was the sixth in a row for Southeastern over Northwestern State as the Lions swept the season series with the Demons for the third straight year.
 
Next up, the Lions will host Central Arkansas (10-19, 9-9 Southland) Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the home finale. UCA lost at Abilene Christian, 75-70, Saturday night.
 
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.
 
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