Nov. 26, 2010

HOUSTON - Monique Whittaker hit a career high in points for the second consecutive game to lead the Lamar University women' basketball team to a 76-66 win over the University of Portland in the Husky Classic at Houston Baptist University on Friday.

Whittaker, who scored a career-high 16 points in Tuesday's win over LSU-Shreveport, had career bests of 26 points and nine rebounds as Lamar (4-1) ran its winning streak to four games. Whittaker, who was 8-of-15 from the field, was 10-of-18 from the line, ending just two free-throw attempts shy of the school record of 20, set by Lara Webb against Western Kentucky in 1996.

Jenna Plumley, aided by a 10-for-10 effort from the free-throw line, finished with 18 points for the Lady Cardinals. Kalis Loyd finished with nine points for Lamar.

The Lady Cardinals had a decided advantage at the line, going 29-of-45, while Portland (4-2) was just 8-of-14. Lamar's defense forced Portland into 29 turnovers on the night. The 45 free throws are tied for the second-highest total in Lamar history, behind the 52 attempted against Northwestern State in 1980.

"That was a good team we beat tonight," Lamar coach Larry Tidwell said. "It wasn't the prettiest win, but we played hard."

Nakeisha Brown led Portland with 15 points, while Natalie Day finished with 10 points.

Lamar returns to action at 3 p.m. Saturday against UMKC at the Husky Classic. The game will be broadcast live on the Lamar athletic Web site: www.LamarCardinals.com. UMKC was meeting Houston Baptist in Friday's late game.

"We have to get ready to play a good UMKC team," Tidwell said. "We have to be ready."

LAMAR