News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Rene Abadie Date: 3/18/05   LIONS WELCOME BACK PARTY SCHEDULED MONDAY       HAMMOND --  The Southeastern Louisiana University Lions basketball team will be saluted following their first trip to the NCAA Tournament with a special welcome-back party at 3 p.m. Monday.       The university community as well as the general public are invited to the free event which is scheduled at the Alumni Center, 500 West University Avenue.       “We want as many people as possible to congratulate the team and celebrate their successful season, which included our first appearance in the ‘Big Dance,’” said Alumni Association Director Kathy Pittman.       Champions of the Southland Conference Tournament and co-winner of the conference title, the Lions ended their season Friday with a 63-50 loss to Oklahoma State University in the first round of the Chicago Regional Tournament held in Oklahoma City. The team finished the season with a record-breaking 24-9 season.