SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Lamar Lady Cardinals showed grit and determination as they battled back from a 22-point deficit before falling just short in a 79-72 loss to host Texas State in a non-conference women's basketball game Tuesday.

Baileigh O'Dell led Lamar with 18 points. Teleshia Riley had a career-high 15 points, while Caroline Adesulu and Kiandra Bowers added 12 points apiece for Lamar (0-5).

“We're getting better,” Lamar coach Robin Harmony said. “I think we will be fine by the time we get to conference play.”

Lamar trailed 39-27 at halftime, and saw Texas State boost its lead to 64-42 with 10:08 remaining before the Lady Cardinals staged a comeback.  Lamar outscored the Bobcats (2-2) 18-8 to cut the lead to 77-72 in the final minute when Riley drained a 3-pointer, but Lamar could get no closer.

The Lady Cardinals got back into the game with a defense that forced 13 Texas State turnovers in the second half that resulted in 19 points after intermission.

“Our newcomers keep progressing,” Harmony said. “They played hard and never quit.”

Erin Peoples led Texas State with 21 points.  Meghan Braeuer and Kaitlin Walla had 13 points apiece for the Bobcats (2-2).

Both teams shot well from long distance, as Lamar was 7-of-17 (41.2 percent) from 3-point range, while Texas State was 23-of-22 (54.5 percent).

Bowers added nine rebounds and four steals for Lamar.

The Lady Cardinals return home for a pair of non-conference home games after Thanksgiving. St. Thomas (Texas) comes to the Montagne Center at 4 p.m. Saturday before Huston-Tillotson comes to town at 7 p.m. Dec. 2. For ticket information, visit www.LamarCardinals.com.

LAMAR