HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Lamar Lady Cardinals made the Sam Houston State Bearkats their latest victim of larceny.

The Lady Cardinals, ranked third in the nation in steals, had 12 steals as they forced Sam Houston State into 28 turnovers in Lamar's 87-68 Southland Conference women's basketball victory on Thursday. With the win, Lamar (10-10 overall, 7-2 Southland) moved into a first-place tie with Northwestern State.

Lamar outscored Sam Houston State (5-14, 4-5) in points off of turnovers, as the Bearkats couldn't handle the Lady Cardinals' relentless defense.

Lamar had four players score in double figures, led by JaMeisha Edwards with 22 points. Shauna Long had 19 points, while Addesha Collins and Kiandra Bowers added 16 points apiece. Collins also contributed a career-high seven assists.

“We had some players really step up today,” Lamar coach Robin Harmony said. “We got a good win over a team that has definitely improved.”

Lamar led 44-34 at halftime. The Bearkats cut the Lamar lead to 60-54 with 11:18 remaining before the Lady Cardinals went on a 12-3 run to take control for good.

Lamar drained 10 3-pointers on the game, led by Long, who was 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Edwards had three treys, while Collins added two 3-pointers.

Shernise Robertson led Sam Houston State with 29 points. Taylor Dorsey added 14 points for the Bearkats.

The Lady Cardinals return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday when they host Abilene Christian in a Southland Conference doubleheader. The Lamar men take on Abilene Christian in the 6 p.m. nightcap.

Both of Saturday's games will air live on KLVI (AM 560). Both games will be streamed live at www.BigRedSN.com. For ticket information, call (409) 880-1715, or visit www.LamarCardinals.com.

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