HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team will close out its non-conference slate against LSU Friday at 7 p.m. in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Southeastern (4-7, 1-2 SLC) will visit Baton Rouge, La. for its 16th program meeting versus LSU (9-1) in its final non-conference matchup of the 2025-26 season.
Friday's game will be televised on SEC Network+ and 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." Live stats, provided by the hosts, can also be accessed on the men's basketball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.
SLU suffered a heartbreaking 70-69 loss to East Texas A&M Monday at home. Four Lions closed out the hard-fought battle in double-figures led by fifth year senior Isaiah Gaines (17 points) posting his fourth consecutive game in double-digits with seven rebounds and three blocks. Sophomore Jeremy Elyzee followed up with 15 points and nine rebounds to lead the team on the boards while recording three blocks and two steals. Peter Hemschemeier (13 points) and CJ Booker (10 points) also stepped for Southeastern, dishing out four assists.
The Lions are looking to regroup to close out the week led by Elyzee with 12.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Gaines chips in 10.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game to lead Southeastern on the glass alongside other major contributors in Jalen Forrest (9.0 ppg) and Seth Jones (7.3 ppg).
SLU remains disruptive with their defensive pressure as they've forced opponents into 14.9 turnovers per contest to capitalize on 15.0 points per game. Southeastern currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring defense (68.73) and free throw percentage (71.0).
LSU secured an 89-77 victory over SMU in the Compete 4 Cause Classic in New Orleans, La. The Tigers recorded 50 points in the paint, 19 second chance points and 11 points off turnovers. Four Tigers finished the contest in double-figures led by Marquel Sutton with 23 points and 12 rebounds to claim a double-double. Max Mackinnon followed up with 22 points alongside Dedan Thomas Jr. (16 points) with 12 assists and Pablo Tamba (14 points) with 12 rebounds.
The Tigers are led by Thomas Jr. averaging 15.3 points and 6.9 assists per game so far this season. Michael Nwoko is another key factor for LSU this season, averaging 15.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Sutton (13.6 ppg) is also heavily relied on by the Tigers alongside Mackinnon (12.7 ppg) as major contributors. The Tigers lead the SEC in free throw percentage (77.5) and defensive rebounds per game (30.10) while also ranking second in field goal percentage (51.6) and fourth in its conference in scoring margin (+17.90).
Concluding Friday's game, SLU will return to conference play against UIW Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. Tuesday's matchup against the Cardinals will be streamed on ESPN+.
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.
