BEAUMONT, Texas – As the Southland Conference season reaches its midway point, Lamar University (14-4, 9-0 SLC) and Southeastern Louisiana (16-3, 10-0 SLC) stand above the others as the only undefeated teams remaining in conference play. With only a half-game separating them from first place (due to Lamar having played one fewer game than SLU), the two teams will meet in Hammond, La., Thursday at the University Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m.

Previously
LU overcame an early 15-point deficit to defeat Northwestern State 59-55, which kept their undefeated home record intact at 10-0. Akasha Davis posted her second consecutive double-double by matching her season-high totals of 21 points and 18 rebounds. Sabria Dean added 13 points, while Jacei Denley added 10 points.

Double the Kash=Double the Fun
Davis recorded double-doubles in the last two games while averaging 19.5 points and 17.0 rebounds per game. Against Northwestern State, she recorded 14 second-half points hitting five of her seven shots. This would garner her SLC Player of the Week honors for the eighth time in her career.

HOT START
A win by the Cardinals on Thursday would tie the school record for the best start in conference play. The only team with 10-straight wins to open the conference was the 2018-19 squad. It would also mark the sixth season in program history LU would have won 10 games in a row. The all-time record is 14, which was done four times previously including last year. 

All-Time vs. Southeastern Louisiana
Thursday's contest will be the 50th meeting between the two teams. The Cardinals have a 27-22 edge in the previous 49. Last season, LU swept both meetings with the Lions, including a 67-60 road win. Sabria Dean led with 16 points in that game, while R'Mani Taylor added 10. That win was the third-straight victory against SLU in Hammond.
 
About the Lions
The Lions took down Houston Christian in a 65-41 victory Monday. Alexius Horne, who is currently second in the SLC's scoring leaderboard (15.2 ppg), recorded 17 points, while former Nicholls standout Lexi Alexander added 13 points and Cheyanne Daniels posted 12. SLU is third in scoring (68.9 ppg) in the conference but produces the best overall defense, giving up 54.6 ppg. The Lions have the second-best home record, having won all seven of their games, which trails the Cardinals.

Up Next
Big Red will make its first trip to Nagocdoches in three seasons when the Cardinals face Stephen F. Austin Saturday at the William R. Johnson Coliseum. For the first time this season, the women will be the second game of a doubleheader as they will tip off at 5 p.m following the men's basketball team.