HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team will suit up and welcome two Southland Conference rivals to Hammond, America in week 12 of league action.

SLU (5-14, 2-8 SLC) will open its two-game home stretch, sponsored by North Oaks Health System, against Nicholls (8-11, 7-3 SLC), rescheduled to Saturday at 1:30 p.m. due to winter weather concerns. Southeastern will move forward in a rematch against McNeese (15-4, 8-2 SLC) Monday at 6 p.m. in the University Center, sponsored by First Guaranty Bank. Both matchups 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."

Southeastern ended week 11 of conference play 0-2 on the road in South Texas. The green and gold suffered a 68-56 loss against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi before falling short 68-65 versus UTRGV. In their most recent matchup, three Lions finished in double-figures led by sophomore Jeremy Elyzee with 14 points, four rebounds and two steals.

Elyzee closed out the contest, shooting 4-8 from the field and 6-7 from the free throw line. Isaiah Gaines (13 points) claimed his second career double-double with 11 rebounds while Jaiden Lawrence (11 points) stepped up, shooting 4-7 from the field and 3-6 from behind the arc. Southeastern battled to gain 34 paint points and 16 points off turnovers against the Vaqueros, but could not obtain the lead down the stretch.

The Lions will look to build momentum at home led by Elyzee averaging 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Gaines provides 10.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest to lead the team on the boards alongside Southeastern's other major contributors in Peter Hemschemier (8.0 ppg), Makhi Myles (7.1 ppg) and Jalen Forrest (7.2 ppg). SLU ties for fourth in the conference in steals (7.8) while ranking fifth in scoring defense (69.79).

 Nicholls closed out week 11 of conference play 0-2 after falling 90-80 against Lamar and 79-62 versus Stephen F. Austin at home. In the Colonels most recent loss against the Lumberjacks, they tied with 14 points off turnovers and second chance points. Jaylen Searles led Nicholls with 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Trae English and Jalik Dunkley contributed 12 points apiece.

The Colonels are led by Searles averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while securing 15 games in double-figures this season. Searles has led the charge for Nicholls, shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from the three-point line. Dunkley (13.6 ppg) and Sincere Malone (10.9 ppg) are other major contributors for the Colonels alongside Trae English (9.9 ppg). Nicholls leads the league in three-point field goals made (9.58) and ranks second in steals (9.79) and turnover margin (+3.74).

McNeese closed out the past week 1-1 after snapping its four-game winning streak with a 79-76 loss against UTRGV before gaining a 69-53 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Cowboys recorded 40 paint points, 20 points off turnovers and 19 second chance points against the Islanders on the road led by Larry Johnson with 17 points and nine rebounds. Tyshawn Archie and Carl Cherenfant tied with 13 points as Jerell Colbert chipped in eight points in the win.

Johnson fuels the high power offense for McNeese, averaging 16.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. The freshman has posted 16 games in double figures this season as Archie follows up with 14.6 points and 2.6 assists per contest. Reigning SLC Player of the Year Javohn Garcia also contributes for the Cowboys, averaging 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. McNeese leads the league in scoring offense (83.53), scoring margin (+15.42), field goal percentage (48.3) and free throw percentage (77.0).

Fans are encouraged to represent your letters and wear your colors Saturday versus Nicholls for Greek Day, as the loudest organization will win prizes and bragging rights. Supporters are also urged to join in a special night as SLU takes on McNeese Monday while honoring former Lions of the program for Alumni Night.

Concluding Monday's matchup, Southeastern will return on the road in a rematch against Stephen F. Austin Saturday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. and Lamar Monday at 6 p.m. Both games 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.