SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Lamar University women's basketball program clinched a berth in the 2021 Southland Conference Tournament after defeating the UIW Cardinals, 59-48, on Monday afternoon at the McDermott Center.
 
"I am super proud of our young ladies and their resilience this year," said head coach Aqua Franklin. "They have attacked everything that has come their way this season. Great road win today- It took everyone! We made adjustments at halftime and dominated the second half."
 
The Cardinals outshot the league's other Cardinals, 37 percent to 33 percent, while the rebounding game was even between the programs. Freshman Sabria Dean led Lamar on the afternoon with 16 points on 6-for-11 shooting and tagged on four rebounds, three assists and a steal in her efforts. Freshman Bebe Galloway followed Dean's efforts with a 14-point performance and finished two rebounds shy of a double-double with eight rebounds.
 
UIW was led by Destiny Jenkins who tallied 14 points on the afternoon. The stout Big Red defense kept the league's other Cards were limited to 33 percent shooting from the field, while the Cardinals shot 93 percent from the line while UIW connected on just 50 percent from the free-throw line.
 
"I'm happy for our team, our staff and our program for clinching a spot in the conference tournament," said head coach Aqua Franklin. "We have worked extremely hard for this opportunity and I couldn't be prouder. We're excited but still have work to do!"
 
UP NEXT: The Cardinals will travel to Lake Charles, La. for the Battle of the Border against the McNeese Cowgirls for a 1:00 p.m. tipoff inside Burton Coliseum.