The Lion’s Roar / Maria Goddard
Senior center DeVonte Upson makes his presence known in the post during the exhibition match against Loyola. Upson finished with a perfect 5-5 from the free-throw line and secured eight rebounds.

The Lions basketball team scored their way to victory during their first exhibition game of the 2014-15 season against Loyola University.

The game was held in the University Center on Thursday afternoon, in which the Lions defeated the Wolfpack, 41-35, 97-81.

“I was really pleased with the way we started the game, and I felt like our defensive intensity dropped allowing Loyola to get going,” said head coach Jay Ladner. “They’ve got a heck of a team, and I have to give them a lot of credit. I felt like our defensive pressure wore them down, and we were able to expand the game.”  

Senior forward Onochie Ochie opened the first half with a basket, giving the team a good start.

For the first half, the Lions made 52.0 percent of field goals, 42.9 percent of 3-point shots and 75.0 percent of free throws. During the second half, 63.6 percent of attempted field goals were successful, 50.0 percent of 3-point shots made it and 64.7 percent of free throws. 

Junior guard Zay Jackson led the way by scoring 28 total points, adding four assists and three steals. 

“I think I played well. I got to the free throw line a couple of times. I was able to finish today,” said Jackson. “Being able to come home and play in front of friends, family and all was big-time for me; it was emotional. Our team goal is to win championship. We’re in it to win.”

In order to win, Ladner wants to improve both sides of the ball. 

“We’re going to have to do a better job of playing defense and rebounding the basketball. They hurt us near the basket and that wasn’t good. Overall, I thought they did a good job,” said Ladner. 

Sophomore guard Joshua Filmore was not far behind Jackson with 20 total points, four assists, three turnovers and one steal. He agreed with Ladner on recommendations for advancing the team. 

“I had a couple mental mistakes on defense,” said Filmore. “[We need to improve] on defense and rebounding. We are working towards winning the Conference and going to the NCAA tournament.”

Despite setbacks on the defensive side, the team finished strong because of the way they worked together. 

“I think their teamwork and the chemistry is certainly one of their strengths,” said Ladner. “They seem to really get along well with each other. We had five players tonight in double figures which is usually a good sign of that; I was really pleased.”

Other top players in double figures were senior center DeVonté Upson with 15 total points, Ochie with 13 and junior guard Andrew Guillory with 10. 

One strong supporter, Paul Middleton of Hammond, had a front-row seat to support his cousin, Jackson.

“I think Southeastern is playing good team ball. I like the way they executed and played defense,” said Middleton. “I like the way Zay handled the ball and shared it with his teammates. I think we as citizens of Southeastern Louisiana [University] should all come and pack this stadium out to support the Southeastern basketball team.”

Their first official game of the season will be at Oklahoma State on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.