Jan. 2, 2011

HOUSTON - Kalis Loyd had 17 points to lead four Lamar scorers in double figures as the Lady Cardinals rolled to a 73-52 win over host Rice University in a non-conference women's basketball game Sunday afternoon.

Monique Whittaker had 16 points for Lamar (10-3), Trashanna Smith had 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds, and Jenna Plumley added 12 points and a game-high six assists as the Lady Cardinals ran their winning streak to five games. Smith also had two blocks to give her 177 for her career, just one behind the school record of 178 held by Uirannah Jackson. Plumley now has 300 assists, tying her with Barbara Hickey for second place on Lamar's all-time list. Ramona Jones holds the Lamar record with 653 assists.

Jessica Kuster led Rice (8-6) with 14 points and 11 rebounds. The loss snapped the Owls' three-game winning streak.

The Lamar defense held Rice to just 30.2 percent shooting (19-of-63), while forcing the Owls into 21 turnovers. Lamar was 30-of-64 (46.9 percent) from the field.

With the victory, Lamar improved its lead in the overall series with Rice to 21-5.

The Lady Cardinals close out the non-conference portion of their schedule when they host the University of Houston at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Montagne Center. That will be the opener of a hoops doubleheader. The Lamar men's team will host Louisiana College in the nightcap at 7:35 p.m.

Lamar opens its defense of its Southland Conference crown by hosting Central Arkansas at 2 p.m. Saturday. For ticket information for all Lamar home games, call (409) 880-1715, or visit the official Web site of Lamar athletics at www.LamarCardinals.com.

LAMAR