ATLANTA, Ga. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team suffered a 70–60 loss to Georgia Tech Monday night inside the McCamish Pavilion.
Southeastern (0–3) came out strong against the ACC opponent, leading for more than 21 minutes of the contest before the Yellow Jackets (3–0) gained a late scoring surge and a decisive rebounding advantage to pull away in the second half.
Fifth-year senior Isaiah Gaines led the Lions with 12 points and six rebounds, while sophomore Jeremy Elyzee added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Jaiden Lawrence also finished in double-figures with 10 points and five rebounds, shooting 2-3 from three-point range. Pacific transfer Seth Jones and Jalen Forrest chipped in nine points apiece, combining for five of Southeastern's eight made three-pointers.
SLU wasted no time setting the tone early, as its defensive pressure and efficient shooting built an 11-point lead midway through the first half. The Lions came out aggressive and forced Georgia Tech into eight early turnovers, allowing Southeastern to control the tempo.
Georgia Tech fought back late in the first half led by Mouhamed Sylla with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but Southeastern persevered to maintain its composure and enter halftime with a 31–29 lead. The Lions shot 33.3 percent from the field in the first half and 30.8 percent from beyond the arc while the Yellow Jackets finished the half shooting 45.8 percent from the field.
In the opening of the second half, both teams traded baskets before Georgia Tech capitalized on its aggression in the paint to gain control. The Yellow Jackets outscored Southeastern 41–29 in the second half, as they posted a nine-point scoring. Lamar Washington (13 points) provided a spark of momentum for Georgia Tech alongside Akai Fleming (12 points) and Kowacie Reeves Jr. (12 points) as four Yellow Jackets finished in double-figures. The hosts pulled away midway through the second half to take their first double-digit lead of the night, 56-46.
Despite timely shots from Jones and Forrest from behind the arc, Southeastern could not overcome Georgia Tech's interior presence with 34 points in the paint and 14 second-chance points. The Jackets finished with a 23-10 advantage in points off turnovers and a 39–30 edge in rebounds.
The Lions' defense stepped up throughout the matchup, forcing 20 turnovers while recording 12 steals as a team. Southeastern finished 33.3 from the field, 32.0 percent from three-point line and 80.0 percent from the charity stripe. SLU's reserves produced 23 points to keep the game within reach, but the visitors could not capitalize down the stretch to force the upset.
Southeastern will remain on the road to face Mississippi State Saturday at 2 p.m. in Starkville, Miss. Saturday's game against the Bulldogs will be streamed 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.
