EUGENE, Ore. – Moe Kinard scored a career-high 17 points as the Lamar University Cardinals hung tough with the Oregon Ducks before dropping an 84-67 decision in a non-conference women's basketball game Sunday afternoon.
 
"We made this trip knowing we were going to face quality teams in Oregon State and Oregon," LU coach Robin Harmony said. "We were looking at improving from Friday's game at Oregon State, and we did that. We were outmatched in size and talent, but we never gave up."
 
Kinard, whose previous career high of 13 points came against Cincinnati while playing for the University of Houston, was one of four Cardinals (0-2) to score in double figures. Kiara Desamours had 12 points, Kiandra Bowers had 11 points and Chastadie Barrs had 10 points. Bowers had a career-high four blocks, while Barrs had three steals. Barrs has at least one steal in all 33 games during her career at LU.
 
Baileigh O'Dell hit a pair of 3-pointers, giving her 108 for her career, as she moved past Gia Ayers into sole possession of seventh place on the all-time LU chart.
 
Oregon (1-0) led 22-11 after one quarter, but the Cardinals outscored the Ducks 22-21 in the second quarter to trail by just 10 points at halftime (43-33), but Oregon took control of the game in the second half, outscoring LU 28-12 in the third quarter to build a commanding 71-45 lead heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
The Cardinals refused to fold, however, outscoring the Ducks 22-13 in the fourth quarter.
 
"I am very proud of the way we continued to battle," Harmony said. "We fell behind, but we never gave up. We still have things to work on, but these games help make us better. We're not going to see size like this in our conference."
 
Lexi Bando led Oregon with 20 points, while teammate Sabrina Ionescu finished with 11 points. Oregon held a 48-30 edge on the boards, but the Ducks had troubles with LU's quickness, as LU had 16 steals on 20 Oregon turnovers.
 
"We have to do a better job boxing out and pushing opponents off the 3-point line. Harmony said. "That is something we will work on."
 
The Cardinals fly home Monday as they get set to host St. Thomas (Texas) in the home opener at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Montagne Center. For tickets, call 409-880-1715, or CLICK HERE.