HAMMOND, LA. – The Southeastern Louisiana University men's basketball team secured a 55-47 victory over HCU in the University Center Saturday afternoon to open the week.
Southeastern (7-17, 4-11 SLC) gained a big home win to sweep HCU (8-16, 4-11 SLC) in Southland Conference play. SLU remained in control down the stretch as its first half momentum proved to carry the hosts as it defended its home court against the Huskies.
Two Lions finished the game in double-figures to spark the charge for the green and gold led by Makhi Myles and Isaiah Gaines with 12 points apiece. Myles closed out the game, shooting 5-9 from the field and 2-5 from the three-point line with three assists and three steals to provide an all-around game for Southeastern. Gaines finished 6-8 from the field and dished out five assists to lead the team while Jeremy Elyzee (7 points) led SLU on the glass with six rebounds.
Key reserve Jalen Forrest (nine points) fueled a run for SLU off the bench, shooting 3-7 from the field and 2-5 from behind the arc. Jaiden Lawrence (eight points) also stepped for the hosts with five rebounds and two assists, shooting 4-6 from the field. Southeastern ended the game shooting 47.9 percent from the field while posting 32 paint points and 10 points off HCU's 12 turnovers.
Houston Christian was led by Mambourou Mara (12 points), shooting 5-7 from the field and 2-3 from the three-point line. Mara recorded four rebounds and two blocks while Demari Williams followed up with 11 points, five rebounds and three steals. D'Aundre Samuels chipped in nine points while Demarco Bethea led the Huskies with seven rebounds.
Southeastern set the tone early, shooting 60.0 percent from the floor in the first half and outscoring HCU 35–21 before the break. The Lions used a 10–0 run midway through the opening period to build separation, getting consistent production in the paint and forcing the Huskies into low-percentage looks. Gaines and Myles combined for 18 first-half points as SLU opened its largest lead of the game at 14 points, 32-18.
Houston Christian responded after halftime, trimming the deficit to as few as three points following a 10–0 run midway through the second half, 39-36. Southeastern answered back behind the production of Gaines and Forrest alongside key defensive stops. SLU forced the Huskies to shoot 34.8 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from the three-point line in the second half. The Lions closed the game capitalizing on their advantage in the paint alongside dire defensive stops as the final minutes ticked away to secure the win.
Southeastern held on to record the victory behind its first half rally while also outscoring HCU 32–24 in the paint to close out the game. The Lions also held the Huskies to just 32.7 percent shooting overall and 18.8 percent from three-point range, sealing the defensive-minded sweep at home.
SLU will remain at home in the University Center to close out its two-game homestand against UIW Monday at 6 p.m. Monday's matchup against the Cardinals will be streamed on ESPN+ as fans are encouraged to support the Lions with a halftime Ballin' 4 Options kids' scrimmage.
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.
