HAMMOND, La. – Despite overcoming a 21-point first half deficit, the Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to Northwestern State, 73-68, Saturday night at the University Center.
The Lions (4-11, 2-4 Southland) were led by junior
Gus Okafor scoring a game-high 20 points and snatching six rebounds. Senior
Keon Clergeot added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals and
Elijah Ifejeh chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds.
The Demons (3-14, 2-4 Southland) had four players score in double figures in a balanced attack led by Larry Owens with 14 points, Trenton Massner with 13, Kendal Coleman had 12 and LaTerrance Reed added 11.
SLU found themselves in a huge hole early as they trailed, 34-13, with 6:21 remaining in the first half. However, the Lions clawed their way back in the game finishing the first half on a 16-5 run. The Demons led, 39-29, at the half.
In the second half, the Lions continued to chip into the Northwestern State lead as they cut the deficit to two, 49-47, with 13:49 to play. The Demons retook a three-possession lead, 58-51, with 10:03 to play. Again, SLU responded going on a 13-4 run to take their first lead of the game, 64-62, with 4:32 left.
Clergeot knocked down two free throws to give the Lions a 66-64 lead with 2:58 to go.
However, Northwestern State freshman Carvell Teasett drilled a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Demons the lead with 2:02 left. Teasett's three-pointer started a crucial 9-2 run by NSU to end the game and the Lions' chances at a remarkable comeback win.
SLU finished the game 22-for-62 (35 percent) from the field and 7-for-29 from the three-point line. The Demons shot 54 percent (30-for-54).
The loss snaps Southeastern's six-game winning streak against the Demons as NSU now leads the all-time series, 86-55.
Despite the loss, the Lions were nearly flawless from the free throw line (17-for-18). SLU also won the rebounding battle, 38-30, including 15 offensive boards which led to 19 second chance points.
Southeastern continues their three-game homestand Wednesday night at 8 p.m. when they host Central Arkansas (3-11, 2-4 Southland) in the University Center.
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.
TICKETS
For ticket information, please contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or visit
www.LionSports.net/tickets. Southeastern is implementing mobile ticketing as the primary source for securing tickets for the 2020-21 season. All tickets will be available via e-mail in a PDF format for fans to download on their phone or print at home. Tickets can also be downloaded to Apple Wallet.
