BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University travels to Hammond, La., Wednesday looking to reverse a trend that has seen the team drop two of its past three games. The Cardinals 8-9/1-3 Southland) have faced quite a bit of hard luck in their first four league games and enter Wednesday's game knowing they could very easily be 4-0 in conference play instead of trying to battle their way up the standings.
 
In the team's first four games, the Cardinals have played two overtime contests (both losses) that saw LU step to the free throw line with a chance to win with seconds remaining only to come up short. In both games, the Cardinals rallied from double-digit deficits to force overtime. It was a similar story over the weekend at Central Arkansas. The Cardinals trailed by nine midway through the second half but battle their way back to reclaim the lead only to fall late in the game.
 
The Cardinals now look to turn their fortunes around in a facility that hasn't always been kind to them. While the Cardinals hold a 26-22 (.541) record in the series, the Red and White have struggled to an 8-12 (.400) mark in Hammond, and the Lions are coming off a five-point win in Beaumont last season.
 
The Lions are trying to battle their way through struggles of their own. The defending Southland Conference co-champions, Southeastern has struggled out of the gate in 2018-19. After starting the season 4-4, the Lions have dropped eight consecutive games and are looking for their first win since a Dec. 1 victory at Tulane.
 
Another similarity to the Cardinals is the fact that SLU has been in each of their past six games. Those six losses have all been by five points or less, including two one-point decisions. However, three of the team's four victories have come at home.
 
Led by senior Josh Nzeakor, the Cardinals rank second in the Southland in scoring offense. The Cards are averaging 79.2 points per game – second only to Houston Baptist – while shooting .452 from the field. Nzeakor is making a strong push for postseason honors again this season. He is currently seventh in the league in scoring (15.1 ppg) and second in rebounds (8.4 rpg).
 
The Lions' offense relies heavily on Moses Greenwood who is averaging 15.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. In addition to Greenwood, the Lions also boast of one of most dynamic players in senior guard Marlain Veal. The New Orleans native ranks among the league leaders in points (15.1 pg), assists (4.7 pg) and steals (1.8 pg).
 
The Lions enter week ranked 13^th in scoring (62.1 ppg) but have one of the top defenses in the conference. Both SLU and the Cardinals are holding opponents to 69.7 points per game.
 
Wednesday's game is slated to tip off at 7 p.m. from the University Center. It can be heard live on Newstalk 560 KLVI.
 
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