BEAUMONT, Texas – For the first time in series history, when Lamar University steps on the court to face their rivals to the east, they will do so on McNeese's new home floor – the H&HP Complex. A rivalry that dates back to the 1951-52 season, Saturday's contest marks the 104^th all-time meeting between the two schools which are separated by 63 miles.
 
Both teams come into the week looking to climb the Southland standings as the league approaches the midway portion of the conference season. LU is currently tied for ninth (Nicholls) with a 10-11 (.476) overall record and a 3-5 (.375) mark in conference play and sits just a half game back of McNeese (7-13/3-4 SLC).  
 
Big Red is coming off one of its most complete games of the season Wednesday in Thibodaux, La. After surrendering the first basket of the game, the Cardinals rattled off a 13-0 run and never allowed Nicholls to make a sustained run after that. The Cardinals shot nearly 55 percent from the field and were lights out from the free throw line burying 25-of-27 (.926) attempts. Five different Cardinals finished the night in double figures led by senior Josh Nzeakor's 26 points and seven rebounds.
 
LU's defense was just as impressive holding Nicholls to less than 37 percent from the field in the opening half and forcing them into 12 turnovers. The Cardinals also flexed their muscles on the glass holding a 39-25 edge in rebounds.
 
With the victory, the Cardinals have now won two of their past three as they enter the week looking to leap frog McNeese in the standings. After a slow start to the regular season, the Cowboys have showed improvement since the start of Southland play. Similar to LU, the Cowboys have won two of their past three games and are coming off a six-point decision at home against Houston Baptist.
 
The Cardinals lead the all-time series between the two schools by seven wins, 55-48 (.534), and have won three of the past four meetings. Unfortunately, Big Red is coming off a nine-point loss in the regular-season finale last season. The Red and White have won five of the past eight meetings dating back to the 2013-14 season. Historically, the series has been one that has heavily favored the home teams. The Cardinals are 16-34 (.320) all-time against McNeese in Lake Charles.
 
Saturday's game is slated to begin at 3 p.m., but the women will tip off at 1 p.m. and the men's game will get started approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game. For the first time in series history, the game will be played at the new on-campus arena – H&HP Complex. For fans traveling to the game, the address H&HP Complex is 700 E. McNeese Street. Due to highway construction on both the I-10 and I-210 bridges fans should plan for some traffic delays and leave earlier than normal for the game. Both the LU men's and women's games will be broadcast on Newstalk 560 KLVI.