On Monday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the university basketball team took on Xavier University of Louisiana in the University Center. 

With the first home game of the season, the Lions came out on top with a 77-70 victory. Although they won the game, head coach David Kiefer had mixed feelings about his teams performing. 

“I guess I can say it, the three hairs that I had on my head, I do not have anymore,” stated Kiefer. “I thought our guys really competed the entire game. Just again, a lot of young, immature, freshmen mistakes. That’s what we got a lot of, that’s what we expected.”

Kiefer earned his first victory as a division one head coach on Monday, Kiefer explained how it felt to get in the win column.

“The coaches just told me to be happy,” said Kiefer. “Back in the locker room I was all upset about the little things that I saw that we did wrong, but at the same time it is our first win.”

With Von Julien being the teams only senior Ty Brewer explained how important his and Julien’s role is important to the team. 

“Honestly with me and Von being both of the leaders,” said Brewer. “I gotta make a statement for the younger guys, so they know how to come into the game and bring the same energy.”

Laquan Butler, a sophomore guard, shared how he felt the team performed in the victory against the Gold Rush. 

“Really just hitting our shots,” stated Butler. “We really didn’t hit as many shots as we wanted too, but we picked it up defensively and made up for it.” 

Xavier cut Southeastern’s 24 lead to five points in the second half Brewer discussed how the team had to refocus in the second half. 

“Coach was basically saying that we’re not playing like the team we know we are,” stated Brewer. “And then he was like, ‘Let’s go out there and get it.’ He didn’t have no big speech or whatever, he knew what he needed to say and he knew that we knew what we needed to do to win. So basically, do our job.”

The men’s basketball team will be back in action on Wednesday at home at 7:00 p.m versus Grambling University.