ABILENE, Texas – Lamar University was unable to overcome a slow start offensively falling to Abilene Christian, 84-49, at Moody Coliseum in Abilene. The loss ended the Cardinals (12-12/6-7 Southland) modest two-game win streak.
 
Big Red finished the night shooting 15-of-57 (.263) from the field, and just 4-of-17 (.235) from three-point range. The Cardinals were also outrebounded 46-35 on the night. Both teams turned the ball over 16 times but ACU took advantage of the Cardinals' mistakes – 11 of which came in the first half. The Wildcats finished the night with a 27-16 advantage in terms of points off turnovers.
 
ACU shot nearly 52 percent from the field after a first half that saw them convert 17-of-30 attempts (.567), including seven three-pointers.
 
The Cardinals were led by senior V.J. Holmes' 19 points, while classmate T.J. Atwood added 11. ACU's Payten Ricks paced the Wildcats with 21 points. He was one of four ACU players in double figures.
 
The Cardinals got off to a tough start from the field and ACU took advantage. Big Red hit just one of its first 11 attempts to go along with 10 turnovers as the Wildcats raced out to a 28-2 first half lead. ACU wasted no time grabbing an early advantage knocking down five of their first seven attempts, including three of their first five from three-point range.
 
The Cardinals finished the opening half 7-of-28 (.250) from the field, and just 2-of-10 (.200) on three-pointers. ACU converted 17-of-30 attempts (.567), including a 7-of-14 (.500) effort on threes. ACU also grabbed a 24-13 edge on the glass in the opening 20 minutes, and a 24-2 advantage in terms of points off turnovers.
 
The Wildcats picked up in the second half where they left off in the first. ACU converted seven of their first 14 attempts in the half, including five three-pointers and didn't allow the Cardinals the opportunity to get back into the game.  
 
The Cardinals will be back in action Wednesday when they travel to Thibodaux, La. to take on Nicholls. The game against Colonels will tip off at 7 p.m. from Stopher Gym. The game will be carried live on Newstalk 560 KLVI.