ABILENE, Texas – Looking to atone for a loss to Abilene Christian earlier this season, Lamar University put up a tough fight Saturday afternoon but came up just short falling 24-17 at Wildcat Stadium.
 
The Cardinals (2-4/0-2 WAC) finished the day with 364 yards of total offense, including 158 on the ground. Freshman Mike Chandler recorded his first career start and completed 9-of-17 attempts for 206 yards and a touchdown. Chandler's favorite target was sophomore Erik Pizarro who hauled in four passes for 68 yards. Junior Nathan Gaskamp made only one reception but made it count taking it 80 yards for the score.
 
LU's ground attack was led by James Jones. The Beaumont native had nine carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.
 
Big Red's defense was led by freshman Caimyn Layne. He ended the night with seven tackles – four solos – with a sack (for nine yards in losses). He also recorded a quarterback hurry. Junior Tylo Phillips added four tackles including two for losses with a sack.
 
The Wildcats finished the night with 466 yards of offense, the majority of their damage coming through the air (258).
 
The Cardinals took a three-point lead into the locker room, 17-14, but unfortunately couldn't find the end zone in the second half as ACU was able to score 10 points in the game's final 30 minutes for the win.
 
LU's final score in the first half came on a Bailey Giffen 54-yard field goal. The Bryan,
Texas native just missed the school record by three yards.
 
The Cardinals return to action Saturday, Oct. 23, when they host Central Arkansas. The game against UCA will kick off at 6 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium.