BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University entered Saturday's contest looking to end a three-game skid and they would benefit from a strong first half scoring 35 points. Behind 25 points from
Sabria Dean, LU managed to get back in the win column following a 57-44 win over Loyola-New Orleans.
Dean, who finished six points shy of her career high, converted 11-of-16 from the field for 68.8 %. She also finished with seven rebounds and five assists. While she had the hot hand in the game, Dean didn't feel any onus to lead her team to win.
"I try not to think about it too much," said Dean. "Once you start missing, you can't dwell on that. I try to focus defensively and just let the offense come."
Akasha Davis would score 11 points and grab five rebounds while
Anyssia Gibbs led all players with nine boards. Both teams would shoot under 40% from the field with LU finishing on top at 35.9%-30.2%.
"Winning is really hard," said head coach
Aqua Franklin. "In the first half, I thought we turned the corner and looked like the team that we are and that we've seen before. We got to get back and do things consistently. That's offensively and defensively. Once we start being consistent, then you'll see a much better team and a much better game."
After getting behind 4-0 early, the Cardinals responded with a 17-2 run. This included 11 straight points when the score was tied at six. It was the Davis (seven points) and Dean (six points) show in the quarter as they combined for 13 points. LU finished shooting 43.8% from the field while holding Loyola (LA) to just 28.6% despite conceding the final basket of the quarter and leading 17-8.
The Wolfpack would cut the deficit to 17-11 at the start of the game. But the momentum swung in LU's favor as they would end the first half with a 18-6 run. Dean would again step up for the Cardinals as she piled in 10 points to finish with 16 in the first half. LU again matched their first quarter shooting percentage in the second half as their lead grew to 35-17 at the break.
It was 35-23 following six straight Wolfpack points to start the third before the Cardinals got their first 20-point lead with eight straight points including threes from Dean and Hastings. Dean would add four more points to be at 23 through three quarters. The Wolfpack would have their first double-digit point quarter of the game as they finished outshooting the Cardinals 25.0%-21.1% despite going two-of-eight from the field. LU still maintained a 45-31 lead.
LU's double-digit lead stayed firm for most of the fourth quarter until they led 53-38. The Wolfpack did get the contest to within single digits at 53-44 following a run of six consecutive points. But their run came to an end with a minute left to go as LU was able get back ahead by double-digits following a
Malay McQueen bank shot and
Kayla Mitchell free throws.
LU returns to action Tuesday night at 7:00 PM as they will host McNeese at the Montagne Center.
