HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team will welcome William Carey to the University Center Wednesday at 6 p.m. for its home opener of the 2025-26 season.
Southeastern (0-4) returns to Hammond, America to face William Carey (6-0) after a four-game road stretch to open its non-conference slate. Wednesday's game will mark the 12th meeting against the Crusaders as SLU secured a 91-53 victory last season at home.
The matchup will be televised on ESPN+ and live stats can be accessed on the men's basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net. The game can also be heard on KSLU 90.9 The Lion, online at either www.LionSports.net/listenlive or www.LionUpRadio.org, via the following apps – Lions Gameday Experience, Live365, iHeart, Audacy, TuneIn and MyTuner Radio - or on Alexa speakers (skill must be enabled first). All you have to say is, "Alexa, play K.S.L.U."
The Lions fell 75-68 in a hard fought battle against Mississippi State Saturday on the road. Sophomore Jeremy Elyzee closed out the game with a season-high 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in an effort to help SLU cut into its deficit in the second half. Chicago State transfer Jalen Forrest also stepped up to deliver a season-high 16 points, shooting 5-11 from the field and 5-6 from the charity stripe. Southeastern fought to cut its deficit within six points in the final minutes of the second half, but Mississippi State firmly held its lead to secure the win.
SLU is seeking its first victory of the season after being battle tested on the road led by Forrest and Jaiden Lawrence, both averaging 10.5 points per game. Elyzee follows up with 10.3 points per game and leads the team on the boards with 5.3 rebounds alongside Isaiah Gaines (7.3 ppg). Southeastern has pushed its defensive intensity and forced opponents into 14.5 turnovers per game to gain 13.8 points per contest.
William Carey stands undefeated after securing a 82-71 victory over Louisiana Christian on the road last weekend. Four Crusaders finished in double-figures in their recent win led by Malik Franklin with 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. William Carey gained solid production from its bench with 40 points, 38 points in the paint and 25 points off turnovers.
The Crusaders are led by junior Troy Dunn with 15.5 points per game, shooting 54.4 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from the three-point line. William Carey also heavily relies on Franklin (14.3 ppg) and Jamar Jenkins (12.2 ppg) to comprise its top three scorers in double figures. Randarius Hughes (8.5 ppg) leads the Crusaders on the boards with 8.7 rebounds per game while Makeem Roberts leads the team in assists (3.2 apg) and steals (4.0 spg).
Fans are encouraged to stay after the game for an exclusive post-game autograph session with your favorite Lions. Supporters will be able to meet the team and get posters signed by the players themselves.
Concluding Wednesday's game, Southeastern will travel to Wilmington, N.C. for the Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic Nov. 26-29. The Lions will face UNCW, Gardner-Webb and Navy during the tournament as all games will be streamed on FloCollege.
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.
