BEAUMONT, Texas – It was a storyline that Lamar University fans have seen numerous times throughout the 2015-16 season – early double-digit deficits and a late surge that comes up just short in the end. It was a script that was followed to the very last detail Monday evening, and if possible, even more heartbreaking than any of the previous contests this season as the Cardinals (11-18/3-14 Southland) dropped a 77-74 decision to rival McNeese State in the Montagne Center.
 
The Cardinals trailed by as many as 18 points in the second half before putting on a rally that kept fans in their seats until the final buzzer. LU trimmed the deficit down to eight points on a jumper from junior Marcus Owens. After the Cowboys pushed their lead back to 12 points with less than three minutes remaining, LU made one final surge.
 
"It's hard to accept when you lose," said head coach Tic Price. "We got down, but continued to fight. (McNeese State) got every loose ball and we were getting outrebounded in the first half. You have to give credit to McNeese. Their kids played hard, and wanted it more. We didn't seem to wake up until the second half. This is a very disappointing loss. I wanted to send our seniors out with a win."
 
LU got a layup from sophomore Kevin Booze with 1:09 on the clock to cut the deficit to six, 70-64. After McNeese converted only one of two free throws on the ensuing possession, Booze got the ball back and drove the lane where he got fouled and converted both free throw attempts. The Cards were back on the attack after the visitors missed two free throws on the next possession. LU cut the deficit down to three after freshman Dorian Chatman followed up a Preston Mattingly miss with a rebound and put back.
 
The Cowboys hit their next two attempts at the stripe, followed by two free throws from Owens at the other end of the floor to cut the deficit down to a single point, 73-72, with 11 seconds remaining. The two teams alternated free throws on the games next three possessions to give the Cowboys a three-point lead with 3.4 seconds on the clock.
 
LU put the ball in the hands Booze who pushed it up the floor and found a wide open Terrance Hubby who caught and fired off a shot at the buzzer, it snapped the net sending the LU fans into an uproar, but after the officials when to the video review the basket was overturned handing McNeese State the victory, a split in the season series, and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
 
On the other end of the court, the heartbreaking loss turned to reality as the loss eliminated the Cards from the 2016 Southland Conference Championships in Katy, Texas next month.
 
The dramatic shot at the buzzer – that officially never happened – was set in motion by several factors in the game's 40 minutes of action. Despite shooting 50 percent from the field in the second half, the Cardinals only knocked down nine field goals in the game's first 20 minutes. Big Red also turned the ball over 13 times and McNeese made their hosts pay by converting those mistakes into 21 points (LU only scored seven points off 13 McNeese State turnovers). The Cardinals also missed 14 attempts from the free throw line finished the game shooting less than 60 percent from the stripe.
 
The Cowboys finished the night shooting better than 50 percent in each half. LU was 25-of-57 (.439) from the field, but outrebounded the Cowboys by one despite being outgained by five at halftime.
 
LU was led by four players in double digits, including three players with 14 points. Mattingly put together another strong performance with his second double-double of the season (14 points and 12 rebounds). Owens and Booze also had 14, while freshman Josh Nzeakor scored 10 and pulled down eight rebounds.
 
"The bright spots tonight were Marcus Owens and Preston Mattingly," said Price. "Marcus gave us 14 points, and Preston followed up a strong game at UIW with a double-double here tonight."
 
The Cowboys were led by Jarren Greenwood's 19 points, while Craig McFerrin scored 11 and pulled down 12 rebounds.
 
The Cardinals return to action Thursday when the travel to Huntsville, Texas to take on Sam Houston State in the season finale. The game against the Bearkats is slated to tip off at 6:30 p.m. from the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
 
-LU CARDINALS-