BEAUMONT, Texas – Sophomore David Muoka scored 13 points, pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked nine shots Saturday to lead Lamar University to a 88-83 double overtime victory over Stephen F. Austin. It marks the second time in the past three games that Muoka has recorded a double-double.
 
Saturday's contest against the Lumberjacks (14-4/10-2 SLC) marked the second time in a week that LU has squared off against one of the remaining one-loss teams in the league. It also marked the second time in a week that the game came right down to the wire, but this time the Cardinals gutted out a thrilling victory in front of the hometown fans.
 
"I'm very proud of these guys tonight," said LU head coach Tic Price. "We found ourselves in some tough spots but they never gave up and continued to fight on every possession. Although we have one more home game remaining, it was nice for our seniors to get a win on their Senior Day."
 
The Cardinals (6-17/4-10 SLC) finished the night shooting better than 43 percent from the field converting 32-of-74 attempts, including a 7-of-21 (.333) effort on three-pointers. The Cardinals also took care of their opportunities from the free throw line converting 17-of-20 (.850) attempts. Big Red also outrebound SFA by three, 42-39.
 
In addition to the game going into a second overtime before being decided, the hustle stats were split right down the middle as well. SFA gained a six-point advantage on points off turnovers, while LU recorded a six-point edge in paint points. The two teams were separated by just three-points in second chance points (advantage SFA), while bench scoring was tied a 17. The Cardinals finished the night with a five-point edge in fast break points.
 
Muoka was one of five Cardinals in double figures as freshman Kasen Harrison finished the night with 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Senior Ellis Jefferson added 18 points and seven assists, while sophomore Anderson Kopp just missed a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds. Junior Davion Buster added 11 points.
 
"David Muoka was a big shot blocker in the paint tonight," said Price. "Kasen did what he also does with another impressive night, and Anderson Kopp hit some clutch free throws late to seal it for us. Every time it looked like with was about to slip away, somebody stepped up to help us beat a very good Stephen F. Austin team."
 
 
SFA was 28-of-63 (.444) from the field, including a 7-of-12 (.583) effort from long range. The Lumberjacks went to the free throw line 22 times converting 20 of those attempts.
 
The Cardinals return to action Monday when they host Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The game against the Islanders will tip off at 7 p.m. from the Montagne Center. The game will be broadcast live on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.