Jan. 19, 2006

MONROE, La. - Trailing 29-14 at halftime, the Lamar University Lady Cardinals could have thrown in the towel against the Louisiana Monroe Lady Indians, however, they came out swinging in the second half, and gave ULM all they could handle. The second half push by Lamar came up just short though, as the Lady Cards fell 56-47 at Fant Ewing Coliseum.

To open the second half, ULM's LeJeanna Howard knocked down a quick three pointer boosting the Lady Indian lead to 18, its largest of the game. After Howard's triple, the Lady Cardinals flipped the switch on their offense and began chipping away at the lead.

The offense of Lamar, coupled with a stingy defensive effort brought Lamar to within one point at 45-44, but the Lady Cardinals could not knock down a field goal over the final 6:03 of the ballgame. Jana Mustard sank a lay up to make it 45-44, but LU could sink just three free throws to close out the game.

Audrea Samuel led Lamar with 12 points and eight boards while Janique Garrett posted career high in points and rebounds with nine and six.

Monroe was led by Howard's 17 points, while Lottie Moore chipped in with 10. Michelle Biley led all players in rebounding with 14.

The Lady Cardinals will be in action again Sunday night when they take on Northern Colorado at 7 p.m. in Montagne Center.