HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team claimed a 67-61 victory over Southland Conference rival Nicholls Saturday evening in the University Center.
Southeastern (6-14, 3-8 SLC) gained a big win at home against Nicholls (8-12, 7-4 SLC) to open week 12 of conference play. SLU's defensive intensity forced the Colonels to shoot 32.1 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from the three-point line. The green and gold produced an electrifying second half to earn a 39-29 scoring advantage over Nicholls, snapping its four-game losing streak.
The Lions secured the six-point win with a team effort, led by junior guard Peter Hemschemeier with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. Hemschemeier shot 5-14 from the field, 3-9 from the three-point line and 5-7 from the free throw line. Fifth-year senior Isaiah Gaines (13 points) also concluded the contest with a solid performance alongside 13 rebounds and two blocks, securing his second consecutive double-double of the season.
Sophomore forward Makhi Myles also stepped up for Southeastern to record 13 points, four rebounds and three steals in 22 minutes against Nicholls. The Starkville, Miss. native provided a spark of momentum, shooting 4-7 from the field, 1-2 from behind the arc and 4-4 from the line. Key reserves Kyle Edison (seven points) and Jaiden Lawrence (five points) made an impact on both sides of the ball to contribute in the win.
From the start, both teams battled back and forth as they worked to take control early. Gaines connected on the first five baskets for SLU, but Nicholls came out hot, shooting 37.5 percent from the three-point line in the first half. Jaylen Searles (14 points) and Sincere Malone (19 points) caused problems for the hosts from behind the arc as the Colonels established an early rhythm. The visitors built a narrow lead on the backs of their strong guard play, 21-17.
Southeastern settled in defensively midway through the first half, forcing Nicholls into tough looks around the rim while limiting second chance opportunities. The Lions remained relentless as they responded with their own balanced attack while stringing together stops to hold the Colonels scoreless for three minutes, 26-24. SLU converted on easy points at the free throw line to regain control midway through the first half.
The Lions found momentum late in the opening period as Myles and Gaines provided steady scoring to close the gap. Southeastern entered the halftime break trailing by just one possession after battling through early shooting struggles, heading to the locker room down 32-28. Despite shooting 32.3 percent from the field in the half, SLU remained within striking distance by knocking down seven free throws and winning the rebounding battle, 22-18.
Southeastern emerged from the break with renewed energy on both ends of the floor. The Lions tightened defensively, forcing Nicholls into eight turnovers and 21.4 percent shooting in the second half. While methodically building its lead, SLU gained 11 fast break points before facing adversity. Three Lions were ejected after a scuffle, but the green and gold regrouped to continue to battle in the second half.
Hemschemeier proved to have the hot hand down the stretch, knocking down three three-pointers and recording all 18 points in the second half. The hosts continued to attack the paint and lived at the free throw line to fuel a decisive run, 45-36. Nicholls attempted to claw back into the contest late behind Malone and Jalik Dunkley (14 points), but Southeastern answered every push with composure to maintain its lead, 50-43.
SLU valued possessions late and made the necessary defensive stops to extend its lead down the stretch with seven points off the Colonel's eight turnovers in the second half. Edison broke free in transition and slammed it home as the tide of momentum shifted in Southeastern's favor the remainder of the contest, 59-53. Nicholls worked to regain control of the game, but the Lions sealed the victory at the free throw line, converting 22-of-29 attempts.
Southeastern finished the contest shooting 37.7 percent from the field and 22.7 percent from behind the arc, but made its presence felt at the free throw line. The Lions won the rebounding battle, 45-32, and limited the Colonels to just one made three-pointer in the second half.
SLU will look to build on Saturday's performance as conference action continues, moving forward to host the McNeese Cowboys. The rematch against the Cowboys was rescheduled to Tuesday at 6 p.m. due to upcoming weather conditions and 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.
