Southeastern to play hoops exhibition vs. Jackson State in Gulfport

HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball season will tip off the 2017-18 season sooner than expected.

The Lions will play Jackson State in an exhibition game Thursday at 7 p.m. at Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Miss. Admission is $5 with proceeds going to the Catholic Charities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Thursday’s game came about after the NCAA approved a third exhibition game as long as the proceeds went to hurricane and flood relief.

“Generally we cannot play other Division I schools in exhibitions,” Southeastern head coach Jay Ladner said. “Now what you are seeing around the country are a lot of games that normally would not happen due to political reasons or scheduling pressures or whatever it might be.”

Ladner said he was approached by Gulfport High School to host the game and Jackson State is coached by Wayne Brent, a long-time friend of his.

“It makes perfect sense,” Ladner said. “We were looking for an opportunity to play a third game. I felt like that would really help our team get ready. Gulfport High is located on the Mississippi gulf coast which is a prime recruiting area for us. We’re excited. We get to further get ready for our season and secondly, we get to play a game in an area we feel like is a place we want to continue our presence as Southeastern.”

Southeastern will also play its scheduled exhibition against William Carey Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in the University Center. The Lions officially open the regular season at home against Centenary Friday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

Southeastern returns six letterwinners and four starters from its 16-16 squad of 2016-17. Jackson State went 14-18 in 2016-17.