HATTIESBURG, Miss. – It was a tale of two halves in Hattiesburg as Lamar University jumped out a quick start offensively and built a double-digit lead, only to see Southern Mississippi return the favor in the second half. The Golden Eagles' offense never cooled off in the second half holding on for an 82-75 decision.
 
After starting the game 10-of-16, LU finished the day shooting 27-of-60 (.450) from the field, including 10-of-25 (.400) effort from long range. The Cardinals had three players in double figures led by 16 points from C.J. Roberts, while Davion Buster added 14 and Ellis Jefferson scored 10.
 
It was Southern Miss who got hot in the second half (16-of-24/.667) and finished the game 27-of-57 (.474) from the field, including eight three-pointers. The Golden Eagles were led by 23 points from Tae Hardy.
 
Big Red got out to a quick start opening the game with consecutive threes to take a 6-0 lead. The consecutive baskets jump started an offense that built a double-digit first half lead after knocking down 10 of their first 16 attempts (.625).
 
While LU was setting the nets on fire, the homestanding Golden Eagles stumbled out of the gate hitting just five of their first 13. Unfortunately, the Cardinals began to cool off in the latter stages of the first half and USM was able to chip away Big Red's advantage.
 
Despite the Golden Eagles' late run to close the half, LU took a three-point lead into the locker room.
 
The Cardinals finished the half hitting on 13-of-29 (.448) attempts from the field, including 5-of-15 (.333) three-pointers. The Cardinals also took advantage of the opportunities at the free throw line (5-7/.714).
 
Southern Mississippi finished the opening half shooting 11-of-33 (.333) from the field, including a 4-of-11 (.364) performance from long range. The Golden Eagles held a slim advantage on the glass at the break, 22-21.
 
The two teams reversed roles to start the second half. The Cardinals hit just three of their first 14 attempts, and Southern Miss responded by knocking down seven of their first 11, and took their first lead with 13:36 remaining. Moments later Hardy hit a basket to give the Golden Eagles a three-point lead. The basket sparked a 12-2 run – a run that saw USM hit nine-straight baskets – and build a 10-point lead. USM managed to keep at arm's length for the rest of the game.
 
The Cardinals return to action Wednesday when they travel to San Antonio, Texas to take on UTSA. The game against the Roadrunners will tip off at 2 p.m. from the Convocation Center.