Box Score Nov. 23, 2010
Box Score
EDINBURG - Junior guard Mike James scored 16 points in his Cardinal debut, including a huge 3-pointer with 24 seconds to play, as Lamar University knocked off former conference rival Texas-Pan American 85-82 in basketball action Tuesday night.
With the Cardinals (3-2) holding a three point lead late in the game, the 6-foot-1 guard who had not played this season due to injury, calmly stepped into a 3-point shot from the top of the key to give Lamar a six point lead.
"Mike played great tonight and he gives us another talented ball-handler who can make plays," said LU head coach Steve Roccaforte. "He played tonight like he hadn't missed a beat and that was big."
After four straight games away from home, Lamar will play at home on Saturday night at 7:05 against St. Gregory's. The Cards finished their road trip with a 2-2 record.
After James' big shot, UTPA's Brandon Provost was fouled by Anthony Miles and made 1-of-2 free throws with 13 seconds to play. The Cardinals led by five with the ball and the game looked like it was over before a Miles turnover gave the Broncs new life.
Aaron Urbanus made the most of the opportunity as the Broncs' leading scorer knocked down a deep 3-pointer from the wing to make it an 84-82 game with nine seconds to play. LU senior Kendrick Harris made 1-of-2 free throws to push LU's lead out to three with seven seconds.
The Broncs hurried the ball down the floor but Urbanus could not make it two in a row as LU's Charlie Harper contested his 3-point attempt. The shot bounced off the rim as time expired.
"This is a big win for us and completes a successful road trip at 2-2," said Roccaforte. "If you can play .500 basketball in conference play, then you will be successful, so I am happy to go home on this win."
Lamar held a 40-35 halftime lead, but the Broncs came out strong in the second half, going on a 6-0 run to take a 41-40 lead. Donley Minor buried a three moments later to give Lamar the lead at 43-40 before several ties and lead changes.
Tied at 62 with 10:10 to play, Vincenzo Nelson hit a pair of free throws to push the Cards ahead 64-62. Lamar would not trail again, although UTPA did get within one point at 76-75 with 3:34 to play.
Both teams shot the ball well from the field with the Cardinals hitting 52.8 percent of their shot and 7-of-12 from 3-point range. UTPA made 50.0 percent of its shots and connected on 11-of-21 from long range.
The one area where the Broncs didn't shoot well was the free throw line as they made just 11-of-23 for 47.8 percent shooting. Lamar attempted 34 free throws in the game, making 22.
Harper led the Cardinals with 18 points and six rebounds, but James' 16 off the bench helped give Lamar a huge 41-16 advantage in bench points. Harris finished the game with seven points, six rebounds and six assists.
Perry Petty led the Broncs with 21 points and eight rebounds, while three other UTPA starters scored in double figures.
LAMAR
