Late first half UAB run dooms Southeastern, 84-59

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.  –  The Southeastern Louisiana men’s basketball ball team couldn’t overcome a 32-6 run in the first half by UAB as the Lions were defeated 84-59 Saturday afternoon at Bartow Arena.

The game started well for SLU (0-2) as the game was tied at 11-11 with 9:31 left in the first half. However, the Blazers exploded going on a 32-6 run to end the half giving UAB a 43-17 halftime lead.

The Blazers (2-0) extended their lead to as much as 36 at 65-29 with 12:37 left. The Lions didn’t fold as they battled back to cut the deficit to 19, 73-54, outscoring UAB 42-41 in the second half. But that was as close as the Lions got as the Blazers picked up the win.

SLU freshman Jamon Kemp, after not seeing action in the first half, led the Lions with 12 points and added six rebounds. Senior Elijah Ifejeh chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds to pace Southeastern.

UAB had five players score in double figures led by Quan Jackson with 18 points. Jalen Benjamin added 16, while Tavin Lovan, Trey Jemison and Michael Ertel had 14, 12 and 10 points respectively.

Southeastern shot 23-for-58 from the field for 39 percent while UAB was 35-for-66 (53 percent). However, the Lions picked it up in the second half shooting 17-for-29 in the final 20 minutes for 58 percent.

SLU won the rebounding battle 38-37 but shot just 9-for-21 (43 percent) from the free throw line while UAB was 8-for-12.

Next up, Southeastern will take on SEC foe and in-state rival LSU Monday night at 7 p.m. in the Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

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.

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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 for the 2020-21 season. 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.