2022 Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tip-Off Event
SLU Lions (4-9) vs. HBU Huskies (4-6)
Thursday, Jan. 6, 2021 | 11 a.m. CT | Katy, Texas| Merrell Center
Series History: Lions Lead 7-6
Last Meeting: HBU 79, SLU 76 (Feb. 5, 2020 – Hammond, La.)
Live Video
Live Stats
 
KATY, Texas – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team returns to the court after a 16-day layoff Thursday morning when they take on Houston Baptist at 11 a.m. in the Merrell Center in the first of the three-day Southland Conference Men's Basketball Tip-Off Event.
 
The Lions (4-9) are coming off a pair of losses to 11^th-ranked Iowa and Iowa prior to Christmas. Southeastern was slated to face Millsaps on Dec. 29^th at home but the game was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols within the Millsaps team. SLU's next home game is scheduled on Jan. 15 against Northwestern State in the Southland opener. The Lions haven't played at the University Center since a 121-79 win over Ecclesia College on Nov. 22^.
 
SLU is led by junior Gus Okafor in scoring through 13 games. The Baltimore, Maryland native is averaging 12.8 points per game (6^th in the Southland) while shooting 79 percent (42-for-53) from the free throw line and 36 percent (20-for-55) from behind the three-point line. The second team preseason All-Southland selection is also second on the team in rebounding (5.4 rpg).
 
Senior Jalyn Hinton has been an all-around force for SLU during the non-conference slate. The Florida Southern transfer has blocked 23 shots (second in the Southland) and is fourth in the league in rebounding averaging 7.4 boards a game. Hinton's 11.5 points per game is also second for the Lions.
 
The Huskies (4-6) enter Thursday morning's contest with the Lions led by Darius Lee, who is averaging 12.7 points per game. The Huskies' senior is also shooting 53 percent from the field on 45-for-84 shooting.
 
HBU is on the heels of a lopsided 04-63 win Monday over Ecclesia as five players scored in double figures for the Huskies. HBU finished the game 32-for-62 (54 percent) from the field en route to the win.
 
The SLU and HBU series has been very competitive. The Lions lead the all-time series, 7-6, but the Huskies won the last meeting, edging SLU, 79-76, back on Feb.5, 2020 in Hammond, Louisiana.
 
The winner of the SLU and HBU matchup will take on the winner of Thursday's 1:30 p.m. contest between New Orleans and McNeese Friday at 5 p.m. in Katy. The loser of each game will face off at 11 a.m. on Friday.
 
Fans can follow the entire three-day event as all games will be broadcast on ESPN+. Links to video and live stats will be available at the Southeastern men's basketball schedule page at LionSports.Net.
 
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 2021-22 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.