BEAUMONT, Texas – For the second time in as many games, the Lamar University Cardinals will step on the floor of the Montagne Center preparing to face the Bulldogs – this time from Texas Lutheran – Monday at 7 p.m. Winners in four of their last five games, the Cardinals enter Monday's contest with a 6-4 (.600) overall record.
 
One of the top NCAA Division II teams in the nation, TLU is 6-2 (.750) on the season but just had a five-game win streak snapped with a setback to Illinois Wesleyan. The Bulldogs come to Beaumont on the back side of a tough three-game stretch that has seen them play three games in three days (TLU plays Alma College Sunday afternoon). Monday's contest will be the final game for both teams before receiving several days off for the Christmas holidays.
 
For fans who enjoy offense, Monday's game could be an early Christmas gift. The Cardinals rank second in the Southland Conference averaging better than 77 points per game, while the Bulldogs are one of the offensive squads at the Division II level averaging 84 points per game.
 
While Big Red's offense has ranked at or near the top of the Southland all season, the youthful Cards have had their struggles at the start of games. LU was slow out of the gate against Jarvis Christian Friday and led by only three at halftime before shooting nearly 53 percent in the second half to pull away from the Bulldogs.
 
The two teams have also posted similar numbers on the glass. The Cardinals lead the league averaging better 42 rebounds per game, while TLU is averaging nearly 47 per game. LU will enter the game with a slight height advantage. The Bulldogs have no players taller than 6-7 on their roster, while the Cardinals have four players at 6-7 or taller, including 6-9 LeMon Gregory and 6-11 Christian Kennedy.
 
The Cardinals put their strength on the glass on display Friday against Jarvis Christian pulling down 50 boards against the Bulldogs. It was the second time this season LU has pulled down at least 50 rebounds in a contest.
 
The Bulldogs' offense is sparked by three players in double figures led by Sterling Holmes who is averaging 20 points per game. Jordan Kouremetis and Zach Behr are both averaging better than 13 points per game. The Cardinals continue to be led by freshman Nick Garth who has started his collegiate career by reaching double figures in each of the team's 10 games. Senior Dontavious Sears and junior Preston Mattingly are coming off their best games in Cardinal uniforms. Sears scored 24 points and pulled down eight rebounds against Jarvis Christian, while Mattingly recorded his first double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds.

Prior to the start of Monday's game Santa will be making a special appearance for all of the kids. Children are invited to the lower concourse to visit with Santa before the Cardinals tip off against Texas Lutheran.
 
Monday's game will tip off at 7 p.m. from the Montagne Center. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here or by calling the LU Ticket Office at 880-1715.
 
-LU CARDINALS-