BEAUMONT, Texas – Senior Amber Vidal scored a game-high 18 points in her first game as Lamar University defeated East Texas Baptist, 64-47, Tuesday evening at the Montagne Center. Vidal was one of three Cardinals to finish the night double figures as Big Red picked up the exhibition victory – the first game for LU head coach Aqua Franklin.
 
The Cardinals overcame a slow start offensively but closed the game strong converting 9-of-20 (.450) attempts in the fourth quarter. It was the exact opposite scenario for ETBU who opened the game shooting nearly 44 percent from the field but struggled in the final 10 minutes recording just four field goals.
 
Neither team got comfortable from long range as the Cardinals shot 5-of-21 (.238) from beyond the arc, while the Tigers were 4-of-14 (.286).
 
The Cardinals ended the game with an advantage on the boards, 44-36, despite an ETBU roster that consisted of five players over six feet, including one standing 6-7. Sophomore Umaja Collins led Big Red's effort on the glass pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds.
 
"I think we had some nerves to start the game and we had to get those out," said Franklin. "They were all excited to step on the court – the season is finally here – so we had to knock the cob webs out. Once we started putting a little more full court pressure on them we settled down and got into a groove and began to turn them over.
 
"They were doing some full wave subbing and I think that might have gotten to us a little in the beginning. We were limited in our substitutions tonight because we have a few folks banged up. Once we get those players back I think we will be fine," added Franklin.
 
The Tigers took advantage of the LU's slow offensive start in the first half to take a slim three-point lead, 24-21, into the locker room. ETBU got the first basket of the second half before the Red and White started their rally. The Cardinals responded with seven-straight points capped by two Angel Hastings free throws.
 
The Cardinals pushed their lead to seven points late in the third following three free throws from Vidal. LU grabbed its first double-digit lead when Collins grabbed a defensive rebound and kicked it out to Vidal who buried a three on the other end of the floor. The basket gave LU a 12-point lead, 51-39, and capped a 10-0 run. The Cardinals built their lead to as many as 19 in the fourth before the final score.
 
Hastings finished the night with 17 points, while freshman Kayla Mitchell scored 10 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
 
The Cardinals tip off the regular season Friday when they travel to Stillwater, Okla., to take on Oklahoma State. The game against OSU will begin at 11 a.m. from Gallagher-Iba Arena.