BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University men's basketball team (5-4) looks to get back to its winning ways when it tips off against Jarvis Christian Friday at noon in the Montagne Center. A "businessman special" on the LU campus, the Cardinals are treating their fans to a rare noon start in the Montagne Center.
 
"Originally, we wanted to try something different," said head coach Tic Price. "We are calling it a businessman special. With Christmas just around the corner and school letting out, this might give parents an opportunity to come out and watch the Cardinals play, in a fun, family-friendly environment. Also, folks who have the opportunity to take a long lunch, or if they are working only a half day tomorrow can come over and have fun watching some basketball."
 
When the Cardinals take to the court they will be looking to get out to a better start than their previous game at Virginia Tech. LU dropped an 88-53 decision to the Hokies in Blacksburg, and struggled out of the gate. LU fell behind 12-0 to start the game and never got closer than 11 the rest of the way. The Red and White played much better in the second half against Virginia Tech. LU shot the ball better from the field and beyond the arc, while slowing down the Hokies offensively.
 
Despite the setback, LU has won three of its last four games, and comes back home to a venue where it is 3-1 (.750) on the season. The Cardinals will be taking on a Jarvis Christian team which has struggled to start the season. The Bulldogs have dropped nine-straight contests after a season-opening win. To make matters worse for JCC, the Bulldogs are winless on the road this season.
 
In addition to being tough at home, Friday's game could be a historic one for the Red and White. The Cardinals are only one win shy of 300 in the Montagne Center.
 
Led by three players in double figures, the Bulldogs are averaging nearly 72 points per game while shooting .400 percent from the field. JCC has struggled to slow down its opponents being outscored by nearly 13 points per game. The Bulldogs have surrendered at least 90 points in a game four times this season.
 
The Cardinals will look to exploit that as they enter the game with one of the league's top scoring offenses. Big Red is scoring better than 77 points per game on the year and is outscoring opponents by nearly six points per game. Freshman Nick Garth leads the team averaging better than 15 points per game, and is one of three Cardinals in double figures. He is the only Cardinal to have scored in double figures in all nine of LU's games.
 
Friday's contest opens a three-game homestand for the Cardinals. In addition to the contest, fans who bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive will receive a free ticket to the Cardinals' Southland Conference home opener against New Orleans on Jan. 4th. All LU faculty and staff with a valid ID will receive a free lunch from Chartwells while supplies last Friday.
 
Tickets can be purchased by calling the LU Ticket Office or by clicking here.
 
 
-LU CARDINALS-