OXFORD, Miss. - Lamar University had one quarter where they were keeping close with Mississippi in a non-conference road test on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, the Rebels' hot shooting and stifling defense kept LU off their game for the remainder of the contest as the Cardinals were handed a tough 71-37 loss.
Only making 11 field goals all game, LU shot 24% from the field despite making all four three-pointers in the game. They also were 11-of-17 from the free throw line, but were bested in all categories.
Angel Hastings was the lone Cardinal to be in double-figures as she tallied 11 points despite going three-of-eight from the field.
LU got off to a slow start allowing the first seven points of the game before they got on the board. Down 9-3, LU received a spark from Hastings, who would put up seven points that helped cut the deficit to 17-14. Even though LU's 44.4% shooting from the field could not match UM's 66.7%, it was still an 18-14 score after one.
The deficit would grow in the second quarter as the Rebels would start off with eight straight points. With 21 total points in the quarter on just 53.5% from the field, it was more than LU, who only had 12 points, but made 25% of their 12 field goal attempts. Hastings would reach 10 points in the quarter while
Malay McQueen contributed six points on a three-pointer from the corner and a three-point play. LU would get the contest to as close as 33-25 before UM brought the score to 39-26 at the break.
Things only escalated for UM in the third quarter as they proceeded to put up 18 points while holding LU to their season low of four points. The Cardinals were only able to get one field goal and a free throw from
Akasha Davis while Hastings added a second free throw. UM led 57-30 entering the final quarter.
Once again, LU was held to under double-digits despite putting up seven fourth quarter points. Hope Lemelle came off the bench to score five points while
Sabria Dean added the other two points. UM made 14 points to complete their win at 71-37.
LU's road trip will continue as they will meet with Big XII opponent Texas Tech in Lubbock this Friday night at 7:00 PM.
