NATCHITOCHES, La. – Junior Ellis Jefferson recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and a school-record 11 steals, but Lamar University fell short Saturday afternoon to Northwestern State, 67-61. The setback was Big Red's first Southland loss of the season.
 
Jefferson was one of four Cardinals in double figures for an offense that finished the day 21-of-54 (.389), but only 4-of-15 (.267) from three-point range. The Cardinals (7-6/1-1 SLC) were outrebounded on the day by three, 35-32. Despite Northwestern State's small advantage on the glass LU finished with a 12-9 advantage in second chance points.
 
Jefferson was joined in double figures by freshman Anderson Kopp, senior T.J. Atwood and junior Avery Sullivan. Kopp came off the bench to tie for team-high honors with 12 points, while Atwood had 10 points. Unfortunately for the Red and White, Atwood's playing time was limited Saturday to just 20 minutes due to early foul trouble. Saturday's game marked the first time this season that Atwood has fouled out of a contest. Sullivan added 11 points and just missed his fourth-straight double-double with nine rebounds.
 
Northwestern finished day 23-of-51 (.451) from the field including nine three-pointers. The Demons were led by 18 points from Jairus Roberson and 17 points and nine rebounds from Nikos Chougkas.
 
"You get what you earn at all times," said LU head coach Tic Price. "They outscored us by 15 in last five minutes. Ellis Jefferson really played hard for us today. He showed us exactly what he's made of with how hard he competes. He really gave us a spurt but you need five guys all playing in unison on defense and I don't feel we ever had that today."
 
Neither team could gain greater than a five-point decision despite the fact the Demons converted 43 percent of their shots in the opening half, while the Cardinals finished the half 11-of-32 (.344). The Demons also finished the opening half with more three pointers, but even with that the Red and White went into the locker down just two, 31-29.
 
The Cardinals got out to a quick start in the second half rattling off an 8-2 run to build a 37-31 lead. Northwestern State ended the run with a Roberson free throw at the 15:05 mark. The Cardinals pushed their advantage to eight, 41-33, following a David Muoka make and two Avery Sullivan free throws.
 
Following a V.J. Holmes jumper with just over 10 minutes remaining, the Cardinals took a nine-point lead. The basket served as a wake call for the Northwestern State as the Demons knocked down three consecutive triples.
 
The Demons long-range accuracy sparked a 17-5 run as they reclaimed the lead, their first since halftime, 54-51. It would be a lead the Demons would not surrender as Northwestern State kept LU at arm's length in the closing minutes of the contest. The Cards were forced to put Northwestern in a position of trying to win the game at the free throw line. The homestanding Demons took advantage of their opportunities down the stretch to close out the victory.
 
The Cardinals return to action Thursday, Jan. 2^nd, when they travel to New Orleans, La., to take on the University of New Orleans. The game will tip off at 7 p.m. from Lake Front Arena.