BEAUMONT, Texas – On a night when Lamar University honored its history, history was made. Freshman Davion Buster came off the bench to score a career-high 16 points to lead the Cardinals past Southland-leading, and previously undefeated, Sam Houston State, 75-72, which is the 1,000^th win in program history.
 
"Obviously, we are very happy with this win," said LU head coach Tic Price. "Even though we were up at half time, we knew they wouldn't quit. They were undefeated coming into this game for a reason. You don't become 12-0 and quit in games. They got physical in the second half and we didn't respond immediately. I thought we got some big baskets tonight and we hit our free throws.
 
"It was special to record the 1,000^th win on a special night when we're hosting our reunion. Our guys were excited to be playing in front of those that helped build this tradition of success here at Lamar," added Price.
 
After a slow start offensively, the Cardinals (14-12/7-6 SLC) began to heat up and finished the night 20-of-48 (.417) from the field, which included five three pointers. Big Red's continued improvement from the free throw line was on display once again knocking down 30-of-38 (.789) attempts.
 
For one of the few times this season, the Cardinals were outrebounded by an opponent, 36-30, which led to a 13-5 advantage in second chance points, but the Red and White made up for that deficit by forcing Sam Houston into 17 turnovers which they converted into 25 points.
 
In addition to Buster, senior Nick Garth scored a game-high 21 points, while junior Christian Barrett recorded another double-double (14 points and 13 rebounds). Senior Josh Nzeakor added 11 points, six rebounds and three steals.
 
Similar to LU, the Bearkats (17-9/12-1 SLC) also got out to a slow start on the offensive end of the floor as the two teams went into the under 12 media timeout with a total of 14 points scored. SHSU finished the half knocking down just eight shots and shot just 32 percent from the field. The 'Kats rallied in the second half though knocking down nearly 58 percent of their shots to finish the game, 27-of-58 (.466).
 
The Bearkats finished the night with three players in double figures led by Kai Mitchell's 17 points.
 
The Cardinals built a 15-point first-half lead – the largest deficit Sam Houston has faced in conference play this season – and LU used every bit of the cushion to record the victory. After a slow start, Price turned to Buster to ignite the offense. The rookie had an immediate impact knocking down 5-of-8, including two three balls. Buster's insertion into the lineup sparked an offense that built a double-digit lead and ignited a season-record attendance as the Cardinals honored the 1968-69 and 1978-79 teams, as well as hanging the jersey of former LU great James Gulley.
 
"We've seen Davion's progression since he first arrived," said Price. "There is always a transition from high school ball to NCAA Division I ball but now he is becoming a floor general. We've always known Davion can score and now he is forcing teams to guard him. We went with three shooters in the first half which forced them to not be able to double down on Josh."
 
Despite the 15-point advantage, the league leaders rallied in the second half. Less than five minutes into the half, the Bearkats trimmed the lead to 10 points, 44-34. After pushing their advantage back to 12 points on a Buster jumper, SHSU rattled off a 12-3 run to cut the lead down to three, 49-46, with 11 minutes remaining.
 
The Bearkats would get as close as two points on several occasions late in the second half but LU always had an answer. As the clock ticked down under a minute remaining the 'Kats pulled within one on a Marcus Harris three-pointer, but the Cards immediately responded with a three of its own (Garth). Sam Houston got an Albert Almanza three with three seconds left to again cut the lead down to a single point but the Cardinals hit their free throws down the stretch to lock up the victory – their third consecutive.
 
Big Red returns to action Wednesday when they travel to San Antonio, Texas to face the league's other Cardinals. The game against UIW will tip off at 7 p.m. from McDermott Center.