Nov. 12, 2011

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - The Lamar University women's basketball team dropped an 83-58 decision to defending national champion Texas A&M on Saturday.

Kalis Loyd had 20 points to lead Lamar (1-1), which held an early 9-4 lead before the Aggies (1-0) took control.

"I thought we battled hard for 40 minutes," Lamar coach Larry Tidwell said. "Texas A&M is a tremendous team. I thought we grew up a lot today. This game will only make us better."

Monique Whittaker added 13 points, while Danielle Heithoff tied a career high with eight rebounds for Lamar. Tyra White had 22 points to lead the Aggies, who had five players score in double figures.

Lamar was only outrebounded 42-35. Texas A&M took advantage of some hot shooting, connecting on 47.5 percent of its shots (29-of-61), while Lamar was 20-of-57 (35.1 percent).

"We missed some shots early, but give Texas A&M credit, they play great defense," Tidwell said.

Lamar returns home to host Ole Miss at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

"We have a tough non-conference schedule, but that's going to help us get ready for the Southland Conference," Tidwell said. "We have Ole Miss, LSU, TCU and Kansas. That's a grueling schedule, but that's going to make us better."

For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715, or visit LamarCardinals.com.

LAMAR