HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team secured a 101-83 exhibition victory over Mississippi College Wednesday night in the University Center.
Southeastern overpowered Mississippi College early in the first half to remain in control throughout the game in its final tune-up before the 2025-26 season. Four Lions finished the game in double-figures led by fifth-year transfer Isaiah Gaines with 25 points and seven rebounds. Reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Jeremy Elyzee finished with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, followed by Ethan Pickett (14 points) and Peter Hemschemeier (13 points).
SLU finished with 18 assists, led by Hemschemeier and Kyle Edison (seven points) with four apiece, and 23 points off turnovers. The Lions forced the Choctaws into 15 turnovers in the exhibition as sophomore Makhi Myles (six points) provided a spark off the bench to lead the team with three steals.
SLU dominated early from all cylinders as Hemschemeier drained a three-pointer to open the game. The Lions forced the Choctaws out of sorts as they applied pressure defensively to limit opportunities. Senior Tremaine Dixon weathered the storm for Mississippi College as he carried the team on his back with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Despite Dixon's efforts as the Choctaws battled to cut into their deficit, Southeastern dominated in the paint.
Gaines and Elyzee worked down low to contribute to the Lions 62 points in the paint. SLU's perimeter shots also helped to extend its lead as midway through the first half, the hosts shot 50.0 percent from the three-point line. Southeastern's electric start and defensive intensity helped it close out the first half with a 56-33 advantage.
Mississippi College came out with more intensity in the opening minutes of the second half to bring the game within 20 points. Sensing the shift of momentum, SLU carried over its energy from the first half as the Choctaws had no answer for the green and gold in the paint.
The Choctaws worked to cut into SLU's lead midway in the second half as they brought the game within 16 points. Phil Nelson and Avaughn Johnson stepped up for Mississippi College, each with 11 points, to join Dixon as an offensive threat. The Lions regrouped late in the second half to produce another spark of momentum.
Southeastern relied on its early advantage as Mississippi College fought to chip away at its deficit, but to no avail. SLU's pressure and all-around firepower, with 31 bench points, proved to be overwhelming for the Choctaws. The Lions finished 57.6 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from behind the arc and 66.7 percent from the free throw line.
SLU will officially open the 2025-26 season Nov. 3, visiting Ole Miss at 7 p.m. in the Tad Smith Coliseum. The season opener against the Rebels will be televised on the SEC Network+.
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. 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.
