HAMMOND, La. – Playing their first home game in 44 days, the Southeastern Louisiana University men’s basketball team used a 9-2 run in the game’s final minutes to defeat Tugaloo College, 77-72, Wednesday night at the University Center to remain undefeated at home this season.
The Lions (8-9) shot 58 percent from the field for the game on 32-for-55 shooting. SLU was also 9-for-12 from the free throw line (75 percent) on their way to holding off the Bulldogs.
Southeastern was led by Jalyn Hinton with 16 points while Gus Okafor and Roscoe Eastmond each had 15 points to pace SLU.
The Bulldogs (11-7) had five players scored in double figures led by Cameron Woodall with 18 points. Cameron Copeland chipped in with 16 points while Jaylen Lester, Antwan Beans and Trajan Field had 13, 11 and 10 respectively.
Tugaloo hung tough for most of the game as they had a 38-37 lead at halftime. The Lions retook the lead a minute into the second half, 42-41, on a lay-up and free throw by reigning Southland Player of the Week Keon Clergeot.
SLU, despite not trailing for the final 19 minutes of the game, was tested by the Bulldogs who kept the game within striking distance the rest of the game.
Southeastern had a 66-62 lead with five minutes remaining before going on a 9-2 to take their biggest lead of the night, 75-64, with under a minute to go to pick up the victory.
The win was Lions’ fourth straight overall and their fourth straight this season at the home (4-0).
Next up, SLU will open Southland Conference play Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. when they host Northwestern State (4-13) in the University Center.
Fans can watch the broadcast on ESPN+ while audio play-by-play of Wednesday’s game will also be available at LionSports.Net/ListenLive. Links to live stats will also be available at the Southeastern men’s basketball schedule page at LionSports.Net.
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.
{Courtesy: lionsports.net}
